STUDENT GUILD EXECUTIVES

AUSTIN BRISCOE

Student Guild President

STUDENT GUILD PRESIDENT MESSAGE

CSMSJ Students and Community,

My name is Austin Briscoe, and it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Student Guild President.

As I reflect on my own journey here at CSMSJ, I’ve spent the last three years navigating this demanding yet deeply rewarding path—two years in the pre-med program and just recently, I’ve completed my first year in the MD program. Now, as I prepare to embark on my second year, I can say with certainty that this pursuit we have chosen to undertake is no small task. It’s an extremely challenging endeavor, one that will push you, test you, and demand more from you with each step forward. But let me assure you, the climb is worth it.

To be successful in this journey, you must be intentional. First and foremost, set clear goals for yourself and keep your eyes on the prize. Ask yourself, what kind of student do you aspire to be? And more importantly, why? Your ‘why’ will be your anchor when the going gets really tough.

Next, remember that we are in this together. Please, help each other, lift each other up. This is not a competition, but a collective journey towards excellence.

Allow me to share with you what I call my 10 P’s of Success:

Plan: Your roadmap to success begins with a solid plan.
Prepare: Arm yourself with knowledge and resources.
Be Present: Show up, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Pay Attention: Absorb every detail; they will serve you well.
Participate: Engage actively in your classes; learning is not a spectator sport.
Perform the Routine Things: Master the basics and the rest will follow.
Be Patient: Growth takes time; be kind to yourself as you progress.
Trust the Process: Have faith in the journey; it’s designed to mold you into the physician you’re destined to become.
Perseverance: When the going gets tough, dig deep and keep moving forward.
People: People are placed in our lives to teach us different things and to help. Let them.

As your Student Guild, we are here to support you in every possible way. Define your role within this community and let us be a resource for you. Use us, ask us for guidance, lean on us for support. Tell us what you need, what we can improve, and what we’re doing right.

We see ourselves in you, and we hope you see yourselves in us. Remember, this is a revolving door—just as one student leaves, another steps in to continue the legacy.

Never underestimate the power of support. The backing of our faculty, the encouragement from your families, and the guidance from our administration will be instrumental in your success. Lean on them, just as you would lean on your peers.

This is quite an expensive undertaking. I strongly encourage you to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. Among us, we have a few recipients of the inaugural Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship. While it doesn't cover all expenses, it significantly helps with the substantial fees involved.

That scholarship and others like it represent a substantial investment by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in Jamaica’s national welfare and development. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the recipients and challenge them to demonstrate to the GOJ that the investment was well worth it.

Finally, take care of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands physical stamina, mental toughness, and emotional maturity. The race ahead is not for the swift, but for those who can endure. And endure we will, not just because we want to, but because we have to. Our country, our families, and our future selves are depending on us.

As we embark on this new academic year together, I urge you to stay focused, stay strong, and stay united. Together, we will reach new heights and make our mark on the world.