Jackie St. Louis, or “Kerns” as he is more commonly known, is the son of Merle St. Louis (formerly JnoFinn) and Marcellus St. Louis.
Raised in the village of Castle Bruce in the East, he began his education at the local primary school before making the transition to high school in Roseau at the age of 9. Like many young people during that day, he boarded at the homes of residents in the city during the week and travelled home on the weekends. After completing high school at Goodwill Secondary School in Pottersville, Jackie was awarded a scholarship to study in Cuba.
Two years into his studies, he moved to the US where he completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology from Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Jackie’s next academic venture was to complete a master’s degree in counseling from Cairn University in Langhorne Pennsylvania.
Two years later, Jackie began studies in pursuit of a Doctoral degree in Public Administration. In 2022 he successfully crossed the finish line and on March 3, 2023, Jackie was one of many students who came together to celebrate the attainment of their degrees in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was joined there by his parents, two sons and wife, who is from the neighboring village of Marigot.
About his academic journey, Jackie offers that his upbringing has played a significant role in his attitude toward education. “My mother and father always pushed education from as long as I can remember and its something that has remained with me.” Jackie also credits where he comes from for shaping his mindset. “Growing up in Castle Bruce hardworking people were all around me, it’s the culture of the village and the people, and something that I have carried with me wherever I have been.”
Reflecting about the journey to this point, he expressed a desire to take full advantage of the opportunities that he has been afforded and makes note that “there are many others just like me who would likely have done as much or even more if they had these opportunities.” About his future, he does not rule out the prospect of pursuing another degree but at least for the time he is welcoming the break from the demand of school.
Emonews congratulates you!