Anna Lisa De Peiza

Top Paper Award in Effective Financial Management, studied at School of Higher Education
Anna de peize
‘’Completing ABE level 5 and 6 gives students a definite advantage when pursuing a Bachelors of Arts or Masters program. The certificates are recognised and strongly recommended as a stepping stone for further education and they are also offered at many schools in my country.’’

Completing ABE level 5 gave Anna a definite advantage when pursuing her degree. The main skills she gained from studying with ABE were understanding and coping with changes regarding the business, management skills, financial literacy, and maintaining relationships in the business environment. Read her full story here:

My name is Anna Lisa De Peiza and I reside in Trinidad & Tobago, the island of Calypso and Steelpan.  I have been professionally engaged in the administrative field for the past twenty-three years, the last nine spent at the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA).  I am currently assigned to the Policy Planning & Research department as an Administrating Assistant (Ag.).

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela

My goal has always been to earn a degree in Business Management.  In 2006, I attempted the journey with the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM).  Unfortunately, due to other personal competing commitments, I was unable to finish.  In 2021, I decided it was time to review my professional and personal growth options.  A co-worker encouraged me to enrol in the ABE program as a prerequisite for earning the degree.

In 2022, I enrolled with the School of Higher Education Limited (SHEL) and thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes were online.  This was most attractive.

Completing ABE level 5 and 6 gives students a definite advantage when pursuing a Bachelors of Arts or Masters program.  The certificates are recognised and strongly recommended as a stepping stone for further education and they are also offered at many schools in my country.

After completing the ABE level 5 diploma I went on to pursue a Bachelors of Arts (Hons) program in Business Administration at the University of Bedfordshire. I am now working on my dissertation as a requirement for the final semester.

Completing the ABE level 5 diploma has been a huge advantage as you need foundation knowledge for the BA program.  The modules were well-structured and informative on different aspects of the business arena.  It not only teaches or guides but encourages the student to explore/research real-world scenarios as it relates to the respective modules.

The main skills I have gained from studying with ABE are understanding and coping with changes regarding the business, management skills, financial literacy, and the ability to maintain relationships in the business environment.

Some tips that I can share with those exploring their CPD options or those who have enrolled in the ABE program are to understand the concepts, theories, and frameworks taught.  Read, read, read as many publications, journals, and books available on the ABE portal and the internet. 

I would also encourage every student to heed the guidance of their lecturers, and form study groups.  For me, it was easier to understand and remember some of the slightly difficult concepts when I had someone to bounce the information back and forth with.  Additionally, the master class courses available on the ABE portal have added insights into other topics and given a boost to my resume.

At the end of my journey, I would like to be promoted within the SWRHA and continue being a part of the dynamic team working towards Transformation for Excellence.

Placing first in a class of thirty (30) students is a great achievement.  However, gaining top marks amongst other students around the world is a huge achievement.  It is truly a humbling feeling, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his blessings.

I want to also thank my lecturer Mrs. Jenelle Alexander whose style of teaching and mentoring has helped me to achieve this recognition.  I have been very fortunate to have had Mrs. Alexander lecture and mentor me on not only Effective Financial Management but also International Business Economics and Markets modules. Throughout my journey, Mrs. Alexander has always been accessible to all her students via email, telephone, text, and WhatsApp.  Her ability to transfer knowledge by utilizing scenarios, simulations, and real-life industry examples in her finance class is relatable, engaging, and exciting.