From St. Kitts to Canada and Beyond: UVI Opened the World to Joleen Buchanan
When Joleen Buchanan first arrived at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in Spring 2022, her heart wasn’t in it. Enrolling at UVI was a financial decision and her parents’ wish to keep her closer to her family in St. Kitts and Jamaica. Joleen had envisioned a very different path for herself: studying abroad and playing college volleyball. In those early days on campus, she kept to herself, quietly focused on a singular goal—figuring out how to transfer out.
But life has a way of shifting perspectives in the most unexpected moments.
A chance encounter in the UVI cafeteria with a fellow student, Sarai Hutchinson—who would later become a UVI graduate student—changed everything. Sarai approached Joleen, undeterred by her reserved demeanor, and shared information about studying abroad as a UVI student. That conversation ignited a spark. “I give kudos to her for coming up to me that day, despite looking unapproachable. She is one of the people who truly influenced my experience at UVI,” Joleen reflected.
From that moment forward, Joleen’s UVI experience began to flourish as she opened herself up to meeting new people and getting involved in the community.
Soon, Joleen applied for and was accepted into a study abroad program at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. “It was an amazing experience, and I met so many international students with whom I stay in touch to this day,” she said. “What made it even more special was that I pursued it out of genuine curiosity—not just a desire to get away.”
Her first college internship with the UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center marked another turning point. She worked on meaningful projects related to hazard resilience and climate change’s impact on coastal communities. “It opened up a whole new world for me and changed my entire perspective of UVI,” she said. “I don’t think I could have had that experience anywhere else.”
Joleen’s academic path took shape through additional transformative experiences: a 10-week summer program at the Washington Center in Washington, D.C., where she delved into GIS mapping; and the HBCU Immersion in Geospatial Intelligence at Harris-Stowe State University in Missouri. These opportunities not only expanded her worldview—they helped her discover her true academic passion.
Majoring in Business Information Systems and Technology with a minor in Data Science, Joleen is preparing to take the next step: graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has already received three offers, a testament to her academic growth and perseverance.
Beyond the classroom, Joleen made her mark on campus through clubs and leadership. She was an active member of the Anime Club, Sisters with a Purpose, and the Arts and Gardening clubs. She also stepped into a leadership role as President of the Prism Club, a safe and empowering space for LGBTQ students. These communities gave her the confidence to grow—not just academically, but personally.
Joleen credits her growth in part to the guidance and mentorship of faculty members like Dr. Renel Smith, whose mentorship was invaluable, and Dr. Gregory Guannel, who introduced her to many of the programs that shaped her career outlook. “They both played a big role in helping me see what’s possible,” she shared.
Joleen is also thankful for her friends, in particular, her best friend from high school, Tzipporah Ward, who surprised her by transferring from the St. Croix campus to the St. Thomas campus in the Fall of 2022. “Her presence truly made my time here at UVI more enjoyable,” she said.
Looking ahead, Joleen is keeping her mind open. After graduation, Joleen (who will serve as class speaker at the graduation ceremony) will attend a summer program at the Southeastern Climate Science Adaptation Center at NC State. She’s excited about what graduate school and the future beyond will bring. But one thing is certain: her heart remains tied to the Caribbean. “I will always have a reason to come back,” she said.
What began as a reluctant step turned into a journey of discovery, empowerment, and growth. Joleen’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the path we didn’t choose becomes the one that shapes us the most.
