Londesse Ottey, who hails from the inner-city community of Jarrett Lane in Kingston and grew up in a single-parent household, was determined to never allow her circumstances to define her.
Growing up in a crime-ridden community presented numerous challenges for her, with gang rivalries sparking at unexpected times, particularly during exam season. However, these experiences fueled her belief that life extends beyond the confines of the ghetto.
Her mother, who worked as a school bus driver, is a tower of strength and motivation for Ottey, who recently graduated from the University of the West Indies and is now a student at the Norman Manley Law School.
She chose law because she stated that she was motivated by a desire for change in her circumstances.
It is not an easy road, and she is still wading her way through. “I’m still overcoming obstacles, as the journey to the bar is far from easy. There are moments when I feel the weight of the challenges bearing down on me, tempting me to consider giving up. But giving up has never been an option for me. I know deep down that I am destined for greatness, and I firmly believe that with faith and perseverance, God will bring my dream into reality.”
Among the many hurdles she has been facing is the need to secure scholarships to complete her law degree. The financial strain threatened to derail her progress, but she refused to let it hold her back.
“I tirelessly researched and applied for scholarships, reaching out to organisations and institutions that could offer support. I was on the verge of being deregistered at UWI due to financial reasons. It was a daunting moment, and I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. However, just when it seemed like all hope was lost, the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) came through at the perfect moment.
“It was a lifeline that not only allowed me to continue my education but also renewed my hope and determination to pursue my dreams despite the obstacles,” she shared with Freedom Come Rain. Ottey graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Second Class Honours.
As she pursues her dream, Ottey is already looking ahead to giving back to the inner-city community through various avenues in her legal career. She already has many ways she plans on giving back, and they include pro bono work, volunteering with legal aid organisations that serve disadvantaged communities, or advocating for policy changes that address systemic issues affecting these areas.
Additionally, she aims to mentor and provide guidance to aspiring young individuals from similar backgrounds, showing them that a career in law is attainable and offering support along their journey.
This desire was inspired by an observation she made while studying law at the university. She encountered a significant obstacle: the absence of traditional support networks.
“It was just me, my faith in God, and the friendships I formed with fellow students. Despite facing this challenge, it taught me valuable lessons in self-reliance and resilience,” she informed.
Additionally, Ottey said she sees herself specialising in civil litigation, with a keen interest in property law. As someone from an inner-city background without established connections in the legal community, she pointed out that she lacked a mentor to provide guidance and advice.
Now at Norman Manley Law School, she shared that she has the opportunity to learn from some of the best lawyers who also serve as lecturers. Their insights and expertise have been invaluable in shaping her understanding of the legal profession and navigating her career path.
Cognizant of her challenges and others who will be walking that same path, Ottey took time out to offer encouragement.
“For anyone with a similar background aspiring to practice law, my advice is simple: don’t give up. When I first considered pursuing a legal career, it seemed like an unattainable dream due to the daunting school fees, totaling $10,000 USD. I knew I couldn’t come close to affording even half of that amount. Nevertheless, I persisted and pursued every opportunity available to me. Miraculously, God intervened and paved the way for me. The UWI Law Bursary Scholarship also played a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden and making my education possible,” she revealed.