A chance drive past an ABE college led Neera to enrol for an ABE qualification and, despite having to adapt to online teaching, she hasn't looked back saying, "My lecturer, Mrs Diana Ramnath, was a key factor to my success in financial management. She adapted her teaching style and technique online and made her students feel as though they were in an actual classroom". Here's Neera's story:
"I was born in the south part of Trinidad and I am of East-Indian descent. I am employed at Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, the only state-owned electricity company in my country for the past 16 years. I am fortunate to have the support of my parents and my sister in all my ventures. They are my strength, guide and nourishment to be a better individual. I enjoy travelling all over the world and experiencing different cultures. Unfortunately, this pandemic has grounded me which resulted in my resources being channelled into my studies.
I believe that I did not choose ABE but ABE chose me. In 2020, I had a strong yearning to pursue an academic programme and I was uncertain what to do. I spent hours researching online and talking to my managers about what they studied. Some of my managers and supervisors at my company studied ABE and a few went on to do their degree or masters.
One day, I got into my vehicle and was driving around the city of San Fernando contemplating if to do ABE or if any other programme would be an asset for me. Unknowingly, I stopped in front of a building named ’School of Higher Education Limited (SHEL)’ and I decided to call in to inquire about the ABE programme since the building was closed due to the pandemic. I was told that online classes started a week ago but I could still join and the school would email me all the relevant information. That was the moment I decided I am doing ABE, and I have not regretted it since.
I studied at the School of Higher Education Limited (SHEL) but all my classes were online due to coronavirus. The online sessions were awkward at first but I enjoyed being able to study from the comfort of my home. ABE is highly recognised in the twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago. It is accepted due to its high quality.
I am presently pursuing my degree in Business Administration and then I would like to continue with my Masters. I know that these qualifications will be a tremendous asset for me. I am hoping to be a manager within the next two to three years.
ABE is flexible and affordable, especially in this difficult economic period. The modules are designed and tailored so that it is easy to apply to any work environment giving its students a competitive advantage. I love doing research work therefore the assignments were intellectually stimulating, challenging and practical for me.
ABE adjusting the exams to include written assignments, allowed me to analyse a real company and even opened my eyes to critic the pros and cons of these companies in a better light. ABE has drastically improved my approach in planning work, my problem-solving capabilities, and my evaluating techniques. I am also able to have a deeper appreciation for financial management.
My lecturer, Mrs Diana Ramnath was a key factor to my success in financial management. She adapted her teaching style and technique online and made her students feel as though they were in an actual classroom. She made financial management fun and easy. I will advise any student to pay full attention in class, take proper notes and always ask questions when in doubt. Students must also plan a study timetable that is realistic and never deviate from this schedule.
One of my classmates, Timothy and I planned online zoom study sessions on our own and we worked together as a team to ensure we were successful in all our modules. Discipline, self-motivation and prayers were also major contributors to this outstanding performance.
I will use the skills attained from all my studies and apply them to my work environment especially as a future manager."