Recruitment reception builds bridge between Claflin and Trinidad

First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale assists prospective students.

Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale doesn’t flinch when she says that the admissions department is the pulse of any university. Without the students there would be no need for anything else.

 

Claflin University continues to expand its global reach in welcoming students from 16 different countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. Planning a recruitment reception here was a large task to undertake. Yes, Claflin has a wonderful relationship with students from the area that attend the university but this time, we would be on their turf.

 

Would they care to learn more about Claflin? Is recruiting abroad worth it? Can we forge educational relationships in a country where the government is seeking to keep its students here by offering free education? On Wednesday, those questions were answered with a resounding YES!

 

Claflin University hosted a packed-full room of prospective students, current students, alumni, parents and educators from Trinidad at its first recruitment reception here Wednesday. After a brief program where First Lady Tisdale addressed the crowd, prospective students had the opportunity to hear from current students and alumni from Trinidad and Tobago and ask questions and get information from admissions counselors. They were introduced to the men’s basketball team who is playing in the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic and learned about athletics programs and opportunities from Athletic Director Dr. Timothy Autry. They received advice from local education authorities on how to qualify for college locally and abroad. In fact, the students in attendance included three incoming students who are headed to Orangeburg next week.

 

“Awesome,” Mrs. Tisdale said. “There’s no other word to describe this experience. The students came out, the parents came out, and educators here in Trinidad came out seeking partnerships. This was truly an awesome experience.”

 

After hearing about the recruitment reception from an article published in The Times and Democrat, Joy Sandza, an education advisor for the U.S Embassy in Trinidad, said she had to take part.

 

“You are doing something really really great for our students,” Sandza said. “The students are going to Claflin and staying and they are graduating and they are happy.”

 

Sandza noted that others from local educational institutions in attendance, including the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, were not there to see or report on what Claflin’s purpose was, rather to get information about the university and form partnerships.

 

“While we are student support services here in Trinidad, we do believe in helping students fulfill their full potential,” said Joseph Ragoonanan of the Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education in Trinidad. “And that means we need to recognize the need for studying not only in Trinidad but also studying abroad because it is unthinkable to believe that any one country can help all citizens fulfill their true potential. There are those who will need to travel abroad to be able to do that. So we have no problems encouraging our young people to study abroad and fulfill their true potential.”

 

Seven students from Trinidad and Tobago currently enrolled at Claflin attended the reception. The students spoke about the opportunities studying at Claflin has afforded them.

 

“When you head to Claflin, they have this way of making you feel very at home, it’s a very family oriented place and that’s the biggest thing when you come,” said senior Cindi Lewis. “The second thing is there are a lot of opportunities you can grasp as a Trinidadian student; there are a lot of doors that will be opened to you. There are a lot of opportunities you can grasp you just have to work hard.”

 

“Although it’s a small school, you get known in the school and get known by teachers and it’s good for you because they know you on a personal basis,” said Sean Woodham. “It’s a good place to be. Any one of you thinking about coming to Claflin that should be your first choice.”

 

First Lady Tisdale thanked the people of Trinidad and Tobago for attending and supporting Claflin University.

 

“Thank you for hosting us in your beautiful country,” Mrs. Tisdale said. “Your hospitality has been second to none … We invite you to send us your brightest, the best of the best, and just leave the rest to us.”

Mr. Michael Zigler, director of admissions, passes out information to prospective students.

 

Mrs. Tisdale poses with current Claflin students from Trinidad and Tobago. Pictured, from left, are Julien Nunes, Maurissa Charles, Vivien Alexander, Sean Woodham, (kneeling) Mikelle Gomez, Cindi Lewis and Petrina Phillips.

 

 

 

 

 

First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale greets members of the men's basketball team.

 

Admissions Counselor Devin Randolph discusses opportunities at Claflin with prospective students.