Nickesha Nova Walters came to Memorial to pursue her master’s degree and was delighted to uncover a shared history between Newfoundland and her island home, Jamaica, where trade once connected the islands across the ocean.

Where are you from?

I'm from the sunny, vibrant island of Jamaica — otherwise known as "Jam Rock" — a place full of energy, culture, and warmth. Since moving to Newfoundland, I've truly come to appreciate the charm and beauty of this province. What I love most about St. John’s is the people — warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind-hearted. The breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and peaceful valleys, especially when they come alive with lush greenery in spring and summer, is simply mesmerizing. I don’t just like things about Newfoundland — I genuinely love the experience of living here. I’m also drawn to the slower pace of life, the deep-rooted history that echoes through every street and shoreline, and the small-town feel that makes you feel part of a close-knit community. It’s a place where nature, culture, and simplicity come together beautifully — and I love that.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

Naturally, living in a place with such rich history and stunning scenery has shaped how I spend my free time. I enjoy getting out and exploring the many walking trails scattered throughout the city — the scenic views never disappoint. I love visiting historic sites like Signal Hill and Cape Spear, as well as local parks that bring Newfoundland’s vibrant past to life. One aspect that particularly fascinates me is the province’s historic trade relationship with Jamaica in the early 19th century — discovering this connection made me feel even more at home.

I also love connecting with people. Locals are always excited when they hear I’m from Jamaica, and our conversations often lead to laughter and cultural exchanges. On occasions, I sometimes take long drives to places like St. Mary’s and St. Catherine’s — their names and landscapes remind me of the parishes back home, offering a sense of familiarity and comfort in this new chapter of my life.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

They say growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone — and for me, that edge led straight to graduate school for the second time. I’ve always loved a good challenge, and pursuing another master’s degree in a developed nation felt like the perfect way to push my boundaries and expand my horizons.

After many years of working in human resources, I recognized the need to elevate my expertise in a global context. I wanted to earn a qualification that was not only internationally recognized but one that would deepen my understanding of the evolving world of work. This journey has done exactly that. It’s sharpened my skills, broadened my perspective, and equipped me with the tools to make a greater impact — whether it’s leading change, developing people, or shaping inclusive workplace cultures. Graduate school hasn’t just been an academic pursuit — it’s been a transformative experience.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

The quote “To be the best, learn from the best” by renowned speaker Darren LaCroix perfectly sums up why I chose Memorial University for my graduate studies. As someone deeply committed to professional growth, I wanted a university that combined academic excellence with real-world relevance — and Memorial delivered just that. The Master of Employment Relations program stood out to me for its strong curriculum, expert faculty, and its practical focus on the evolving field of human resources.

My decision was also influenced by my sister, a proud alumna of MUN, who spoke highly of her experience and the supportive academic environment. Her encouragement, along with Memorial’s reputation for quality education, made the choice even more compelling.

What made the decision even more meaningful was the unexpected cultural connection. As a Jamaican, I was fascinated to learn about Newfoundland’s historical trade ties with Jamaica in the early 19th century. Studying in a place that shares part of my island’s history added a personal and emotional layer to my academic journey. Memorial, with its affordability, strong support for international students, and cultural richness, was the ideal place to continue growing, learning, and contributing.

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

My experience as a graduate student at Memorial has been nothing short of amazing. At times, I truly feel like part of an elite group because of how we are treated and supported throughout our journey. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a vibrant and caring academic community that prioritizes student well-being and success.

Living in graduate accommodations has helped me stay connected, and I've had the privilege of attending exclusive events that make the experience even more special. The support from the School of Graduate Studies and the Internationalization Office is exceptional — it feels like there's always someone available 24/7 to guide, assist, and cheer us on. Whether it's academic advice, wellness check-ins, or career guidance, they always find a way to show up and deliver.

What stands out most is the endless stream of networking and professional development opportunities, both on and off campus. Memorial surrounds us with resources, knowledgeable personnel, and a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to ensure we’re not just surviving grad school — but thriving. Being a part of this community has been one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences of my academic and professional life.

What scholarships or awards have you received?

One of the most exciting parts of my graduate journey at Memorial has been the recognition I’ve received along the way. I’m proud to be the first-ever recipient of the Nicole Parsons Scholarship in Business for 2024–2025, an award that celebrates academic excellence in the field of HR. I was also deeply honoured to be named a fellow of the School of Graduate Studies for 2025 — one of the most prestigious titles a graduate student can earn at Memorial.

These awards have been incredibly motivating and affirming. They’ve reminded me that my efforts are seen and valued, and they’ve inspired me to continue striving for excellence while giving back to the Memorial community that has supported me every step of the way.

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

What is school — especially graduate studies — without challenges? If anything, the struggles fuel the experience and make the victories even sweeter. From juggling back-to-back deadlines and managing a heavy course load to reading countless pages and running on just a few hours of sleep — fun, right?

But the challenges weren’t just academic. I’ve had to overcome self-doubt, wondering if I truly belonged in such a competitive space. The fear of the unknown was real — leaving Jamaica, stepping into a new culture, and trying to navigate unfamiliar systems. And like many international students, I also faced financial uncertainty, trying to stay focused while worrying about how I’d make ends meet.

That’s why receiving the Nicole Parsons Scholarship in Business and being named a fellow of the School of Graduate Studies meant so much more than recognition — they were powerful reminders that I do belong here. They affirmed that every sleepless night, every moment of uncertainty, and every challenge I pushed through was worth it. These honours didn't just celebrate my achievements; they validated the resilience it took to get here — and inspired me to keep going.

What industry or career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

They say you never forget your first love — and for me, that has always been human resources. After graduation, I’m eager to return to the field that first sparked my passion for people, performance, and purpose. This time, however, I’ll be returning with a sharpened skill set, international experience, and a richer understanding of the strategic role HR plays in today’s evolving workplace.

I’m especially drawn to areas like employee relations, labour relations, training and development, and organizational strategy — spaces where I can directly influence workplace culture and help individuals and teams thrive. With the tools I’ve gained through my graduate studies, I feel ready to contribute at a higher level, lead with confidence, and design inclusive, forward-thinking HR practices.

Whether in the public sector, private industry, or even as an educator or consultant, I see myself in a role that bridges strategy and humanity — creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported to succeed.  This degree wasn’t just a step forward — it was a springboard into the next, more impactful phase of my career.

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

Here’s the truth — graduate school will stretch you, test you, and uncover strengths you didn’t even know you had. You’ll discover hidden potential, achieve things you never imagined, and yes... you’ll probably cry — maybe even call your family and cry to them. But through it all, you’ll grow in ways that are nothing short of life-changing.

My advice? Don’t give up. It might get hard, but it’s never impossible. The journey will challenge you with sleepless nights, tight deadlines, heavy readings, and moments of doubt — but that’s part of the process. And remember, you are not alone. At Memorial, you’re surrounded by a team that genuinely cares — someone will always help you figure it out.

Worried about tuition? Don’t be. The money has a way of showing up just when you need it. Keep doing your best — scholarships, grants, and opportunities have a funny way of finding those who stay the course.

Make the most of your time as a student. Show up — even when the sun doesn’t, and especially on the days when you’d rather hide under a blanket. Get involved. Say yes to that workshop, attend that networking event, chat with your professors, and talk to people outside your program. Build connections — trust me, you’ll need them later. Every coffee chat, every volunteer experience, every trail walk with a new friend adds up to something bigger.

Most importantly, own your journey. This is your time to grow, to rise, to explore new versions of yourself — professionally, personally, and academically. Graduate school isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about becoming who you were always meant to be. And trust me — it’s worth it.

Anything else you would like to share?

Here’s something you might not expect — I’ve learned to appreciate Newfoundland’s weather. Yes, you read that right! One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s foggy, and by dinner, you might be brushing off snow. It’s wildly unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm. I've also learned not to complain — because, let’s be honest, that won’t change a thing! Instead, I’ve embraced it with layers, laughter, and a newfound appreciation for a good cup of tea on a chilly, grey day.

And then there’s Newfoundland English — a whole delightful language of its own! Phrases like “b’y,” and “yes b’y” had me completely confused at first, but now they bring a smile to my face.  Newfoundland hasn’t just been the place where I study — it’s woven itself into my life in the most unexpected and heartwarming ways. From the weather to the words, it’s been a ride full of surprises, smiles, and memories I’ll carry with me forever.

Become a graduate student at Memorial. Apply online today!