Rochelle Farquharson Tells STETHS Graduates: “Your Background Is Not Your Ceiling”

Rochelle Farquharson, a former STETHS athlete who represented Jamaica in the long and triple jump, returned to her alma mater on Thursday (26 June) as guest speaker for the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony.

“It was an honor to be the guest speaker at today’s (Thursday) graduation at STETHS,” she said. “It was surreal as I didn’t even attend my own graduation 15 years ago, and it felt great to impart some knowledge to the graduates entering into the real world.”

Her address, titled “From Dream to Reality: The Power of Diligence and Perseverance,” focused on the importance of discipline, determination, and self-belief. Farquharson shared her journey from humble beginnings in St. Elizabeth to earning an MBA in Corporate Finance while balancing full-time work, coaching, school, and multiple side projects.

She reminded students that obstacles are not roadblocks, but stepping stones. “Your background is not your ceiling, it’s your foundation. Where you start doesn’t determine where you finish,” she said. “Use your story as your strength, not your excuse.”

  • Rochelle Farquharson
  • Rochelle Farquharson
  • Rochelle Farquharson

She also shared a powerful reminder: “Talent is nothing without hard work. Everyone loves to celebrate the wins, but no one sees the work that goes into it.”

Farquharson encouraged the class to build strong professional relationships. “Your network is your net worth,” she said. “A lot of the times it’s not about what you know, but who you know and who knows you.”

Now a Treasury Management Account Manager, Farquharson is also an entrepreneur and author of The Financial Roadmap: Navigating Your Journey to Financial Freedom, a practical guide to help readers build financial independence and long-term wealth. Her work continues to focus on education and empowerment, especially in underserved communities.

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Anthony Foster
Anthony Foster
Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.
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