Last week Asha Ratteray was just a regular university student — then she got a call that changed her life.

It was from the United States Embassy letting her know she was one of a select few students in Jamaica invited to meet President Barack Obama while he was visiting the Caribbean nation.

It was a moment the 28-year-old won’t soon forget.

“The call came on Easter Monday, which is a public holiday, so I was spending time with some friends in Ocho Rios,” said Ms Ratteray, a student at the University of the West Indies.

“I had been sharing with them how excited I was that President Obama would be coming to Jamaica and how much I would love to be able to see him during his brief visit.

“Later in the evening, upon my return home to Kingston, I was catching up with my younger sister in Bermuda via Skype and she mentioned the US embassy called the house looking for me. I thought, this is strange!

“She gave them my personal cell phone number and minutes later I received a call from the US embassy with an invitation to attend.”

Ms Ratteray, who is in her final year of medical school, was overcome by a variety of emotions.

She was excited, humbled and a little anxious as well.

“I kept asking the representative ‘Why me?’ But she had no further information,” Ms Ratteray said.

She got to interact briefly with President Obama at a Young Leaders Town Hall Meeting at her school last Thursday.

The meeting was set up to engage the next generation of leaders in discussions about global and local politics and other social issues related to the Caribbean community, she said.

President Obama also introduced the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).

Through it, the US plans to invest $70 million in training, education and employment programmes for young business and social leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“President Obama encouraged us, from his own experience, to persevere with hard work and hope as we strive to make a difference in this world,” Ms Ratteray said.

“This inspired me greatly. It further instilled in me the belief that education is the key to unlock potential in ourselves and others. It encouraged me to endure in my studies, which can be challenging at times.

“I will carry this experience with me as I interact with young people in Jamaica, at home in Bermuda and wherever else I may go.”

Her favourite moment came when the presentation was over and she got to introduce herself to the President.

She found him to be extremely down to earth, personable and funny.

“As he entered the meeting to address the crowd, he said: ‘Greetings Massive, Waa Gwaan Jamaica!’

“This greeting has gone viral online, but it really highlights his personable approach and willingness to embrace the culture,” she said.

Ms Ratteray has been on a quest to become a physician since high school. Although there is still “quite a long way to go” she is planning to return to the Island once her training is complete.

She is still not entirely sure why she was chosen for the special opportunity. However she understands that the best representatives from the 35 CARICOM nations were chosen to attend the meeting. “This was a significant presidential visit for many reasons,” she explained.

“It has been 30 years since a president of the USA has visited Jamaica. Ronald Reagan was the last.

“President Obama’s visit to Jamaica also signified a strengthening of the relationship between the US and the Caribbean/CARICOM nations. Also, being the first black president of the United States is a pinnacle of progression and exemplifies the fact that anything is possible.

“It was really special to me, since President Obama held a meeting at my university, the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, to specifically address young leaders which signifies his investment in our future and his firm belief that we can make a meaningful impact in our generation.”

Ms Ratteray is a part of the Bermuda Medical Students Society.

She encourages anyone who’s been accepted into or is currently enrolled in medical school to join by e-mailing bermymss@gmail.com.