David Salmon jets off this afternoon (November 11), heading back to the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, after a busy week in Jamaica.

First up was delivering a valedictory speech at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus on November 4 and then he travelled to King’s House in St Andrew, yesterday, where he would learn that he has been selected the 2023 Rhodes Scholar for Jamaica.

The announcement was made by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

Salmon, who graduated from the UWI with a first degree in Public Policy and Management, was the only male valedictorian among the five who participated in the 2022 graduation ceremonies recently.

He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Cambridge.

Salmon is a past student of Wolmer’s High School for Boys and a former Gleaner columnist.

He shared with Our Today that he is thrilled to be the 2023 Rhodes Scholar for Jamaica.

“I am absolutely elated and ecstatic about receiving the Rhodes scholarship, particularly because it has been a dream for a very long time, but even more so it will provide me with the opportunity to pursue education at one of the best institutions in the world.”

Salmon’s dream of becoming a Rhodes Scholar began seven years ago, and today it has become a reality.

“My journey began in 2015 at Wolmer’s. I was in third form and I met Tariq Parker when he became the 2015 Rhodes Scholar. From that time I knew I wanted to be a Rhodes Scholar. So, what I did was to create a vision board that read ‘I am a Jamaican Rhodes Scholar’,” Salmon shared.

Family has always been and continues to be a part of Salmon’s personal journey, which he has come to appreciate over the years.

“My mother has always been a pillar of support who has continued to push me when circumstances became difficult,” he said.

In the summer of 2015, he told his mother that he wanted to be a Rhodes Scholar and together they started to plan for the journey. With support from his family, David started to build his portfolio.

Salmon has a passion for national development and, over the years, he has stood out in several areas, including academics, leadership and charity.

Along the way, he used journalism as a medium to reach and help others. He eventually became a Gleaner columnist with a series that focused on young entrepreneurs and presented solutions to the country’s issues.

When asked if his background in journalism contributed significantly to his achievement, Salmon said ‘yes’.

“Absolutely, without a doubt, journalism featured prominently in my application, and it also came up in the interview. In my application I shared how I was able to provide solutions for some of Jamaica’s most pressing issues.”

He added: “It would have also provided me the opportunity to highlight some of the most vulnerable in the Jamaican society, pursue stories around that and raise awareness of those issues.”

Salmon submitted an impressive application that he put together will help from his father.

“My father helped me with submitting this application. He gave me advice leading up to the dinner which was very helpful,” he said.

Guided by his father’s maxim, Salmon has sought to take on new challenges with confidence and determination.

“My family has contributed to my journey significantly and my father has encouraged me through the years. I remember him telling me that I shouldn’t limit myself with the words ‘I can’t’, and I should remove it from my vocabulary. Since then I have used his words as a source of motivation to thrive and excel.”

What’s next for Salmon?

As he continues to excel, he intends to use education to contribute to Jamaica’s development.

“I am happy to have another opportunity to contribute to the countries development,” the Rhodes Scholar shared.

He returns to Cambridge tonight to complete his studies after which he will go on to study International Development at the University of Oxford.

He encourages individuals to dream and dream big.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested or just has a desire for excellence to dream, dream big, plan and ultimately reap the reward from your investment.”

Salmon’s hard work and dedication made him the 2023 Rhodes Scholar for Jamaica, from a list of 11 candidates – seven males and four females – who vied for the prestigious scholarship award this year.