The first member of her family to go to college, Shallette Spencer is now a straight-A actuarial science student at Georgia State University.

The 21-year-old, from Devonshire, will start her junior year next month at the Atlanta establishment, after receiving a scholarship from Bermudian educational charity Knowledge Quest.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved maths,” Ms Spencer said. “And there’s a shortage of Bermudian actuaries in Bermuda, so I just gravitated towards that.”

Although Knowledge Quest turned her down the first time she applied, the charity encouraged Ms Spencer to raise her grade point average and then reapply.

After repeating several classes at Bermuda College, she was awarded the scholarship on the second try.

“It’s such a big university but the classrooms are really small, which I find a big help as you have more one-on-one time with the teacher,” Ms Spencer said.

“At the moment, my course isn’t too difficult. I like a little challenge anyway, so it’s good.”

While she is enjoying campus life, Ms Spencer has her priorities firmly in order.

“It’s always good to have a bit of leisure, but of course I put my studies ahead,” she said.

After she is finished with her studies, Ms Spencer is planning to offer her support to others who want to pursue higher education but who have limited finances.

“There are always opportunities out there, and you can always find a way,” she said.

“I’m just so happy that I had this opportunity, because now I know that I can help my family, and make sure that my future children succeed in life.”