Video: U.S. Consulate Highlights Reihonna Lema
The U.S. Consulate General launched a new spotlight video today highlighting student Reihonna Lema.
A spokesperson said, “On the eve of the annual Bermuda Railway Trek, a cross-island walk to raise funds for Bermudians studying at Georgia State University [GSU], the U.S. Consulate General launched a new spotlight video today on Facebook and Instagram, [@USConsulateHamilton] featuring a Bermudian recipient of the scholarship currently studying at GSU.
“Reihonna Lema was awarded over $15,000 by Georgia State University’s Bermuda Scholarship Fund, which for 19 years has supported Bermudian students admitted to Georgia State University’s Risk Management and Insurance Program.
“In total, Lema earned over $55,000 in scholarships to support her studies in risk management and insurance at GSU from GSU’s Bermuda Scholarship Fund, as well as from the Association of Bermuda International Companies [ABIC], the Department of Workforce Development, and the Elliott School Alumni Further Education Award.
“In the video, Lema explains she chose to study at Georgia State University because it has “a top ranked risk management program and offers a lot of room for growth.” Lema also highlights the diversity on GSU’s Atlanta campus, the opportunity to experience different cultures, and the convenience of being close to home. She shares that GSU is “close to Bermuda; a quick plane ride less than two hours away for parents who may be anxious to send their kids away to school.”
“After graduating from The Berkeley Institute in 2019, Reihonna was admitted into the Bermuda College with support from the College Promise Program, a program funded by the Bermuda Government for graduates of CedarBridge and The Berkeley Institute with a minimum GPA of 3.0, that covers up to $5,000 in tuition per academic year for a two-year period.
“In 2022, Lema earned an Associate’s of Arts degree with distinction in Business Administration from Bermuda College, and seamlessly transferred to GSU to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Bermuda College is accredited in the United States and has direct transfer programs with top U.S. universities.”
U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette noted, “Reihonna’s story highlights the valuable partnerships between Bermuda College and over 20 colleges and universities in the United States to obtain a U.S. university degree. These pathways provide ways for students like Reihonna to pursue U.S. education with limited out-of-pocket costs and obtain a degree from a top-ranked U.S. university that has deep ties to Bermuda’s business community. Those connections pay off when students compete for jobs back in Bermuda.”
“After graduating from GSU, Lema said she intends to return to Bermuda to showcase her diverse talents and skillset, and to foster innovation and real change within the international business community.
“On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the Bermuda Scholarship Fund will host its 19th annual Bermuda Railway Trek to raise money for Bermudians pursuing finance or risk management & insurance undergraduate degrees from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Sponsors and supporters will walk from Somerset Bridge to Bailey’s Bay to support the fund. To date, the fund has awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships and aims to exceed their goal of raising $250,000 this year. Students who apply and are admitted to GSU in finance, risk management and insurance are eligible for Bermuda Scholarship Fund awards.
“U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette will participate in the walk to demonstrate her passion for education and to promote the longstanding partnership between Bermuda’s international business sector and GSU, which has the largest dedicated risk management program in the United States. The university continues to be ranked number one in actuarial science research, and according to U.S. News and World Report, is among the top three undergraduate risk management and insurance programs in the United States.
“This latest video supports the Consulate’s ongoing Study With “US” campaign, highlighting Bermudian students currently attending U.S. colleges and universities, and Bermudian alumni of U.S. institutions. The campaign highlights the strong and longstanding educational exchange ties between the United States and Bermuda and highlights accessible and affordable pathways to study in the United States. Bermudian students do not require a student visa United States, and there are no delays due to biometrics collection as in other jurisdictions.
“#StudyWithUS provides information on paths to pursue higher education through EducationUSA, a network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories and online at EducationUSA.gov. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world, offers information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States, and provides services to students and their families focused on topics including the admissions process, standardized testing requirements and how to finance a U.S. education. The U.S. Consulate can provide information about the student visa process and preparing for departure to the United States.
