The transition from high school to college or university is a pivotal step in any young person’s life. This transition demands preparation, not just academically but mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In light of this, the South Bahamas Conference education department, in collaboration with the Adventist Educators’ Association, hosted an informative College Forum on April 18, at Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

   The forum featured a panel of educators, pastors, professors, and specialists, who explored student readiness, national diploma requirements, and the transition to higher education. The panelists included Dr. Alphaeus Allick, Ashley Knowles, Betty Taylor, Dr. Kathiann Antonio, Milton Lewis, and Pastor Lynden Williams, and was hosted by Education Director, Juliette Sands. 

  Taylor, who is responsible for the implementation of the Bahamas High School Diploma, explained the origin and the intent of the unified standards.

    “The reason the diploma was implemented [in 2014] because when you go to the various schools, whether it’s private or government, they had varying standards for what is qualification for a child to receive a diploma… the government wanted there to be a standard,” she said.

    Dr. Allick reminded those present that the most important part of college planning is asking for God’s guidance and being purpose-driven.

   “Start from the basics. You decide that you want to do something. You talk to the Lord about your decision, and you move forward because that's what's going to keep you,” Allick said. 

    “If you're going because your parents force you, if you're going because you're pressured by X and Y and so on so forth, and you've not purposed in yourself that this is what you're going to do, you're setting yourself up for failure,” he added.

     The panelists also shared practical college preparation tips, emphasizing the importance of developing good habits, such as time management and discipline, that will assist students during their college and professional years.

College forum 2026

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