With the right accessibility supports, Racquel Newman learned to navigate graduate school with low vision, and gained a clearer sense of purpose in her HR career ahead.

Where are you from?

I am from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I grew up in the city of Portmore, the largest dormitory community in the Caribbean. I love Newfoundland and Labrador because of its beauty, its culture and above all the people. Newfoundland has some of the kindest people that I have met. I love the endearing terms that they use, like “sweetie” when they are talking to you. Life is not as fast-paced here as larger cities. This is great as I feel more relaxed. I might be one of the few Jamaicans that loves the Newfoundland weather. Newfoundland feels like a place I can call home. 

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I am a foodie at heart. I love going out to eat with my friends trying new foods and dining at different restaurants. Being an extrovert, I take the opportunity to spend time with my friends. Outside of dining out I love going for walks and enjoying the beautiful scenes of Newfoundland. 

I value fitness, and so I enjoy walking the Signal Hill trails as often as the weather permits. There is always a reason to go shopping and hanging out at Avalon Mall. I am a gamer and enjoy playing Minecraft and the Legend of Zelda. 

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

Ever since I completed my undergraduate degree, I knew that I wanted to earn a graduate degree. I believe in continuous learning and self-improvements and making sure that I am competitive in today’s job market. I also knew that I wanted a Canadian graduate degree because I wanted to be exposed to different cultures, values, and the manner in which Human Resources is done in a developed country.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

The main reason for choosing Memorial University was their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. I knew that Memorial was the place for me when I met with my accessibility advisor over the phone during my application process. She was kind, informative and walked me through the accessibility options that were available to me. 

Memorial University was also economically priced. It is one of the few universities that have affordable programs for international students. I also needed to find a program that did not require passing the GMAT or GRE exams to gain admission. 

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

My experience with Memorial University has been an amazing one. Certainly, pursuing a graduate degree is not without its challenges or obstacles; however, the support that Memorial offers has made my graduate life much easier.  I have availed of the opportunities given to me and participated in memorable events. 

Within the first year of my being at Memorial University, I lost my father and my grandmother three months apart. The team at School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre (SWCC) were incredibly supportive to me in that period and have continued to support my academic journey. I am eternally grateful for their guidance and continued support. 

Being involved in various clubs, societies and student organizations has pushed me to my limits and beyond. I started out simply going to events to meet new people to volunteering for different committees to now being the Executive Director of Campus Life 2025-2026. 

My graduate journey has been hard yet rewarding. It has been filled with coffee, tears, and sleepless nights studying, but the rewards have made every moment worth it. 

What scholarships or awards have you received? 

I was fortunate enough to receive the St. John's Maple Leafs Legacy Scholarship. 

Have you faced any challenges in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?

I have faced many challenges in life. I even wrote a book about overcoming my challenges. “The Albino Marketer: My Journey to Online Success Despite the Odds” on Amazon. 

I was born with albinism, a condition that causes you to be super sensitive to the sun and comes with poor vision. Growing up in a predominantly black society with limited knowledge of my condition I grew up being teased and scorned. People feared me like I was a walking disease. 

My low vision did not help my situation. Not only was I teased because I looked different, but I was also teased for not being able to see well.  In high school I had to get up and stand directly in front of the board to see what was written and to write off the notes. Some of my teachers were accommodating and others were not. While I stood to write my notes, some of my classmates would tease me, calling me names and even throwing paper at me. 

Yet I persisted because I knew that education was my way out, my freedom. I went to university without any accommodations. I struggled to pass my mathematics classes simply because I could not see the numbers on the board. I relied on good friends to show me their notes. 

The teasing did not stop after school as it continued into my adult years and into the workplace until I found my place in the online workspace. 

Additionally, I had to make sure that I worked hard to save the money to come to Canada and study, while helping to provide for my family and helping with the care of my grandmother. Saving can be difficult with family responsibilities, but I am grateful that with a plan I was able to do it. 

What industry or career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?
I would love to work either within Human Relations or Labour Relations. My passion in life is to help people. I want to see every worker being treated with dignity and fairness. I want a world where EDI-AR are not just buzzwords but instinctive actions. I believe that workers should feel safe, fulfilled and empowered at work. I want to be the person to help to achieve this for employees. 

What advice would you give to current or future graduate students?

Grad studies will be difficult yet rewarding. It is well worth the effort, tears, coffee or tea, and the many sleepless nights that you will endure. But Memorial provides you with the tools, resources and support that you need for success. If you reach out to them, they will give you the help that you need. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

Your journey won’t be easy—but it will be your journey. There will be challenges, there will be obstacles, but on the other side there will be success and fulfillment. I have had to overcome many life challenges, but through determination, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude I am here and I am thriving. I believe in you, you’ve got this, and you have greatness within you. Never give up because the life that you dreamed of is waiting for you. 

Become a graduate student at Memorial. Apply online today!