- Detective Constable Tanisha Samuel Awarded
On June 13, 2024, Detective Constable Tanisha Samuel- 993 of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), served her community with distinction while achieving remarkable academic success. Tanisha Samuel recently graduated from Monroe College with a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. Her academic journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to excellence. Achieving a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0, Tanisha earned the highest Latin honor, Summa Cum Laude. This achievement reflects her hard work, dedication, and intellectual prowess.
Tanisha expressed that the journey has been challenging but stayed motivated and dedicated to achieving her goals: “this journey has been challenging for me, filled with obstacles I had to overcome. I was inspired by a motivational quote that kept me focused and driven: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote by Winston Churchill deeply resonated with me, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience. I remained motivated by a promise I made to my father Wilbert ‘tookie’ Samuel who passed away eight years ago”.
Initially, Tanisha pursued a Bachelor’s in Social Work, driven by a desire to help others and make a tangible difference in her community. In 2022, where she graduated with first-class honors from the University of the West Indies. However, through her work and academic experiences, she discovered a deep passion for psychology. She expressed that the intricacies of the human mind and behavior fascinated her, leading to a shift in her career focus. This newfound interest was further solidified by her experiences in law enforcement, where understanding psychological principles became essential. This passion ultimately drove her to pursue a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, combining her love for psychology with her commitment to justice.
During this academic journey, Tanisha had the opportunity to work with various agencies both locally and internationally, gaining a wealth of experience and broadening her professional horizons. Most recently, she has been serving as a mental health therapist, providing essential services at an outpatient mental health clinic in the US. Additionally, she secured the role of Compliance Officer, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and practices.
Currently, Tanisha is completing her Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the US, employed as a Family Specialist. In this role, she works closely with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), contributing to the well-being of families through her expertise and compassionate care.
Tanisha’s academic journey does not end here. With a passion for learning and a desire to further her expertise, she is set to begin her Ph.D. program in a similar field in August 2024. Her commitment to continuing education underscores her dedication to the field and her aspiration to make significant contributions to psychology and law enforcement, as well as to better serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Tanisha extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, close friends and family, and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for their unwavering support throughout her academic journey. Their encouragement and assistance have been instrumental in her success, enabling her to achieve her goals and serve her community with greater knowledge.
Her journey is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scholars and professionals. It exemplifies the power of determination, the value of hard work, and the importance of community support. As she embarks on the next chapter of her academic and professional journey, she remains a proud representative of her homeland, committed to making a positive impact through her work in psychology and law enforcement.
In celebrating her achievements, we also celebrate the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence that she embodies. Her journey is a reminder that with dedication, support, and a clear vision, one can achieve great heights and inspire others along the way.
