Expelled student now a teacher - Javon Whyne using life lessons to change students’ futures

Javon Whyne says his own life experiences have shaped the way he treats his students, reminding him never to put them down.

Whyne, 26, who has been teaching at Vauxhall High School in Kingston since January, said he often shares his story with students who believe failing high school means the end of their dreams.

"I left high school with just three subjects. [I] tell them to use the steps of failure to get to the door of success," he said. "I remember a teacher telling me I wouldn't make it. Now as a teacher, I have to believe in them."

As a teenager growing up in Nine Miles, Bull Bay, Whyne said he was heading down what he now describes as a dark road, even though at the time it seemed appealing.

"I remember I started hanging out with a certain group of men holding weapons, and just in that company, I had a brother who died in 2007 from gun violence. I didn't have a father figure so I almost lost it all," he told THE STAR. Admitting that he was giving trouble both at home and school, his life took a major turn in 2015 after his mother died and he was expelled from Donald Quarrie High School.

Whyne was given a second chance to continue his education at Kingston Technical High School. However, he admitted that his mindset did not immediately change. The turning point came one night while he was standing on a corner with a group of men.

"I had a vision that we were attacked by armed men and I was the only person who died, and after that vision I decided I wouldn't be a part of that life any more," he said.

"I started to tell myself 'This is not you, you are a leader not a follower'. I just had to be determined to not be a product of where I was and be a better version of me." With little guidance at home, and being hounded by self-doubt, he only passed three subjects of the six for which he was accepted. After leaving high school in 2018, the reality of his situation pushed him to take action. He secured his first job and later completed CSEC mathematics. While in high school, Whyne had been introduced to the Pre-University Men's Programme at The Mico University College, a programme designed to address the shortage of men in the classroom and in teacher training institutions. But he didn't start the programme until 2021 due to financial difficulties.

"They targeted men who had less than five subjects. I did social studies and human and social biology," he explained, noting that his first two years at The Mico University College were funded through a sponsorship secured by a mentor.

"I always had the dream to be a teacher or join the army, so it was just for me to realise what I can do," Whyne said. Although his tuition was covered, Whyne still needed money for basic expenses, so he took a job as a security guard while studying.

"I remember doing a 12-hour shift going to work at 7 p.m., leaving 7 a.m. and sometimes I had school at 8 a.m. too, so it was rough. I couldn't sleep at work, so some nights I studied while on my post, but it started affecting my grades so I walked away," he said. He later funded the remainder of his studies through the J-1 Summer Work and Travel programme.

Last year, Whyne graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education with honours, specialising in social studies. Shortly after graduating, he was accepted at Vauxhall, where he has been teaching since January.

"It's been good. I try to help young men too here, because they come from terrible backgrounds, they don't have parents or guidance so it's just to give them support," he said.

But reflecting on his life, Whyne said that he received external guidance, as such he feels compelled to return the favour.

"It's not 'dunce' but some students are struggling with people believing in them to help them realise that they can do well. It's not just about to teach them and get them out of the classroom, but to act as a second parent and guide and support them."