Prior to 1997, the trajectory of Alicia Thorpe's life was headed in a dangerous direction, with little to no hope of success in sight. Thorpe, who was born with glaucoma resulting in vision loss, was ignored by teachers at her St Ann-based primary institution daily, often having to fend for herself in the classroom. "Me never did a learn, me just deh a school every day.
Teacher nah pay me nuh mind because memba me can't see, so me nuh matter to dem. At age 10, I came to town and I started Salvation Army School for the Blind in 1997; a deh so my life really begin. That's where my teachers were focused on me.
I learnt how to use the Braille [machine], how to adapt to being visually impaired," Thorpe told THE STAR . From that intimate connection at the specialised learning institution, Thorpe was able to transition into the public education system when she enrolled at the Dunoon Technical High School. "I have to big up my teachers at Dunoon, they really looked after me.
Even after school, they would sit me down and help me understand things. They were good to me, they spent time with me, they took their time. I had teachers who had my best interest [at heart] and I was able to get five CXC subjects," the 37-year-old said.
It may have been fate or just sheer coincidence that Thorpe has now ventured into the classroom, now being the beacon of change for others, shaping curious minds. She explained that the care and delicate tutelage she received in her childhood motivated her to f.
