In the early part of May 2018, I unexpectedly received a message via WhatsApp stating that I needed to confirm my interview time for the PSSP (Public School Scholars Program) Scholarship. I was really shocked and surprised and asked if they were looking for Raphael Roker. I called them, and they gave me instructions to follow as I was oblivious on what this whole thing was about and what I must do to ensure I fully maximize this opportunity. I immediately felt a sense of relief because this was one of the things I have been praying for and really needed to get me to attend College abroad. I followed my advisors’ instructions, scheduled my interview time and awaited the interview.
Since I received the message, I had about a week and a half till the interview and during that time, I was familiarizing myself about the mission and objectives of this scholarship. I could not stop thanking God for what He was doing for me. I only shared this with a few people because I did not want anything hinder my breakthrough. I claimed that this scholarship would be mine. I claimed victory and good success for the interview. Valor was literally becoming a reality for me. I thought this could only be God’s doing because I needed all the finances to attend Valor by the end of May.
Interview day arrived, and I could not have been more nervous. However, I was ready to sell myself as an opportune candidate for this scholarship. Entering the interview room, I felt a sort of relief. Ready or not, now was the time to make it happen. The interview was via Skype, so it made me more comfortable. The lady asked how I was doing and I told her that I was fine. She then asked me which college I was planning to attend and my back-up college. I stated my intents of attending Valor Christian College and The University of The Bahamas would be my plan B. She expressed how Valor was not on the scholarships list of schools that students were to choose from. I was very much unaware that students were to choose a school on their list. I saw the schools on the pamphlet, but I thought of them as examples. She also added that there was a separate scholarship related to students wanting to study at the University of The Bahamas. My whole world immediately shattered. The lady seemingly had an attitude which made me very uncomfortable. She further went on to ask my cumulative GPA and the school I was attending, which was the University of The Bahamas. In frustration, she enlightened me that this scholarship was not for me. I felt really embarrassed and ashamed. It was for students graduating that year and those who applied to one of their 30 schools they had partnerships with. She closed the interview by saying they could not help me.
Here I was, back to square one. That scholarship would have given me anywhere between $7,500 to $10,000 which would have been a tremendous help. Truthfully, I did leave that interview a bit discouraged. I really thought this was my breakthrough, my answered prayer. Nevertheless, I was encouraged on my way back to church by the Holy Spirit from the words of Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT), “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
My faith must remain strong in God that He is able to fulfill His promises over my life. I must push through it. I must go through the many “No’s” to reach to that one “YES” that will change my life forever. This scholarship would only cover a portion of my school fee. Maybe God wants me to have a FULL SCHOLARSHIP. Therefore, I will not give up.
Raphael R. Roker 