Sisters Oksana and Kris-toni Henry broke a generational curse in their family when they became the first two members to gain bachelors degrees when they graduate from the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) this week.

The two were a part of CMU’s graduating class of 2022, proudly wearing their black gowns with yellow hood at the ceremony yesterday (November 17).

While both pursued Bachelors degrees in Logistics and Supply chain management, they helped each other along the way, capitalising on the different strengths they had.

“The most amazing part of our journey was that we were a perfect contrast,” Kris-toni told Our Today.

Oksana was the Mathematics brain of the two, using her love for calculations to help her sister, who was the English master.

“It made us very compatible, and that is how we were able to execute with honours and have this magnificent degree,” she added.

When asked how they feel about being the first in their family to have bachelors degrees, Oksana said she was extremely proud and grateful.

Kris-toni shared the same sentiments, adding that the ceremony was as a superb experience and she is happy to know that they are breaking generational curses.

“We are also setting a new trend and a new standard that puts education as a top tier priority you need, to execute and be a part of the elite group of society,” Kris-toni told Our Today.

“To know that we also did it together, as a team, not separate, is also a great feeling. We did this as sisters and we walked that stage with confidence,” she added.

But, the journey was not a bed of roses, instead it was scattered with financial challenges. Determined to reach this milestone achievement, Oksana said she pushed through thick and thin.

“We come from very humble beginnings and there were times when my family did not have it to give, but a little encouragement was good enough for me,” said Oksana.

She added that she is happy to be living the dream, especially given the financial challenges she faced, which made it difficult for her to finance her studies.

“Through thick and thin I told myself ‘I have to do this’, and I continued to push. Even though there were obstacles in my way, I continued to push forward, because I knew what I wanted,” she said.

After a successful mission, the two have even bigger dreams they wish to pursue, and are confident that they will be successful.

Kris-toni shared that her ultimate goal is to be the owner of Jamaica’s only airline and she is very confident in her abilities to achieve this.

For Oksana, her passion for the logistics field has fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, and she would love to own her own courier service. But, she would also love to be an immigration officer.

Conflicted by which path she will choose, she expressed that she would simply love to work either in the logistics department on a ship or even with an airline.

A heartfelt congratulations to both graduate. Our Today wishes you both all the best as you begin this new journey.

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