Nadia chose to study with ABE as a way to build new skills during a challenging period in her life, using education as a pathway for resilience and growth. She says ABE’s flexible, practical and internationally recognised approach has strengthened her critical thinking and decision-making skills, supporting her ambition to advance her studies and create positive, lasting change across the Caribbean. Read her full story below:
''I was born in the beautiful twin island of Trinidad and Tobago. I am the second-born daughter of Michael Seebaran and Feroza Ali-Seebaran. I began having challenges in navigating my adolescent years, which would have led me to be labelled as a “Child in Need of Supervision”. It is here that I met Social Workers who propelled my interest into the human experience, their environment and how individuals can become a change agent, which led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Social Work at The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad. I completed this programme in 2024, graduating with First Class Honours. Prior to that, I have completed my A Levels and O Levels at the Debe Secondary School, Debe in Trinidad. Currently, I am employed at the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs as a Business Operations Assistant.
I decided to pursue the ABE programme during a period of significant personal difficulty; I was grappling with grief and emotional hardships. Academics have always been my escape, and with multiple changes, ABE’s flexibility provided me with a practical pathway to continue my academic development without compromising my well-being. Additionally, my decision was cemented by the desire to challenge myself as I wanted to expand my expertise beyond social work. Coming from a family with a strong orientation towards business, I was motivated to develop competencies to enhance my long-term professional prospects. All in all, my enrolment in the ABE programme represents a symbol of resilience, personal growth and development.
In Trinidad and Tobago, ABE is generally perceived by the public as a credible, accessible and flexible pathway into tertiary education. The structure that ABE offers makes it a great option for individuals who require alternative routes to traditional university offerings, particularly those who navigate the balance between work and personal commitments. Moreover, the international recognition facilitates the public to further their academic and professional development. On the other hand, employers view ABE qualifications as an imperative course of study that enables individuals to perform and apply the knowledge in the practical world, fulfilling workplace demands. Ergo, those who are enrolled in or have completed ABE are viewed as capable individuals who can contribute effectively within a professional environment.
Upon completion of my ABE qualification, I intend to further expand my academic and professional qualifications within my primary field of study, Social Work. Specifically, I plan to pursue a Certificate in Guidance and Counselling at The University of the West Indies, Global Campus. This enables me to develop specialised training within communication, intervention and community-based support, which will allow me to become a practising and effective Social Worker. ABE serves as a lens through which I can integrate business management competencies to develop and contribute to efficient service delivery, programme development and client-centred interventions. Further, this will position me to make meaningful contributions to national development by strengthening the available systems to enhance the overall quality of psychosocial support provided to individuals, families and institutions across Trinidad and Tobago.
Notably, one of the most valuable aspects of studying with ABE is its strong emphasis on practical, career-oriented learning. Through coursework and assessments, students are required to engage with real-life business scenarios, evaluate information and propose effective solutions. As such, ABE is structured to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application within the working and business environment. This ensures that individuals are not only academically prepared but are equipped with transferable, relevant skills that can be utilised at work. Another key strength is its international recognition, providing students with opportunities for both education and employment beyond their local context, in an increasingly globalised job market. Hence, ABE offers an experience that combines academic rigour with practical relevance for personal and professional advancement.
ABE allowed me to develop and refine the skill of critical assessment. The structured curriculum allowed me to engage with complex concepts and apply evaluative thinking within the working environment. For instance, the Dynamic Business Environment course has enhanced my understanding of how internal and external factors interplay to shape organisational conditions. This knowledge allows me to incorporate evidence-based perspectives into discussions. Secondly, ABE has enabled me to cultivate a multidimensional point of view when approaching issues. Rather than relying on a single line of reasoning, I am now more inclined to consider diverse viewpoints, assess implications and gather expert information before forming conclusions. This has strengthened my ability to approach problem-solving in a more balanced manner. Thus, ABE has not only enhanced my academic capabilities but also equipped me with transferable skills that are essential for effective decision-making within the professional realm.
A key strategy for successful study is the intentional integration of practices that promote mental clarity. For instance, incorporating moments of prayer or meditation at the beginning of a study session, or when feelings of stress arise, can be beneficial. Such practices assist in calming the mind when overwhelmed, enabling one to better focus on the tasks ahead. Complimenting this, one must find the balance between work and play. Many individuals often get engrossed in studying or revision that the thought of rest is often overlooked. Rest can take many forms; be it a walk, a five minute conversation with a loved one or singing a song, do things that relax the mind and body. Lastly, being aware of your style of learning is an important study tip. By recognising one’s approach to learning, individuals can tailor and or develop strategies that allow for information retention. This level of self-awareness allows one to optimise their learning experience.
My long-term career plans are closely aligned with my personal experiences, which have shaped my commitment to service and advocacy. The support, patience and guidance I received during challenging periods have inspired me to extend the same level of care to those in need. As such, I aspire to become a Social Worker who is deeply grounded in best practices and equipped to address issues within the mezzo and subsequently, the macro level of intervention. I am particularly interested in contributing to a shift in the perception and treatment of Children in Need of Supervision, with the aim of promoting more rehabilitative, empathetic and development-oriented approaches. In pursuit of this, I intend to further my education by obtaining a Masters degree and subsequently, a doctoral qualification, strengthening my capacity to influence police, practice and research within the Caribbean region.
On the other hand, I am keen to explore the field of homicide-suicide within the Caribbean context, an area that remains under-researched and insufficiently addressed. Through advanced study and research, I hope to contribute to the development of informed interventions that can prevent and support affected individuals and communities. Ultimately, my long-term goal rests on the tenet of using social work practice for positive, sustainable change within the Caribbean.''