USM Connects with Ocean View Academy on Higher Education
September 30, 2026
USM representatives visited Ocean View Academy to discuss pathways to higher education, college life and future opportunities, while alumnus Christopher Rogers shared his journey from Ocean View to USM and encouraged students to keep moving toward their goals.
The University of St. Martin (USM) continued its outreach to local schools on Wednesday, September 30, with a visit to Ocean View Academy, where students participated in an engaging discussion on higher education, future planning and the different pathways available to them after high school.
Representing USM were Shobhan Giterson of Marketing and Communications, Manager of Finance and Operations Robert Judd, and USM student and Ocean View Academy alumnus Christopher Rogers.
Under the message “Dream Big. Study Local. Go Far.”, the USM team encouraged students to begin thinking about their future while reminding them that there is no single pathway to higher education and that they do not need to have every step figured out immediately.
During the presentation, students learned about the different educational pathways available through USM and how students at various stages of their academic journey can continue working toward their goals. The session also created space for students to ask questions and openly discuss college life, expectations, programmes and opportunities available locally.
A highlight of the visit was hearing directly from Christopher Rogers, who returned to his former school to share his experience transitioning from Ocean View Academy to college life at USM.
Rogers is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts (Math & Science) at USM. As part of his current academic journey, he is completing skills courses in areas such as English, Computer Information Systems, and Mathematics to strengthen his foundation as he progresses through the program.
Speaking with the students, Rogers shared how college differs from high school, including the increased level of responsibility placed on students, the classroom experience, his interaction with faculty and the importance of becoming part of the wider USM community.
He also spoke about activities he has enjoyed at USM, including SGA Unity Evening and Lit Night, which provided opportunities for students, staff and members of the USM community to connect outside of the classroom through poetry, creative expression and student engagement.
Rogers encouraged the students to listen to their teachers and value the guidance they receive while in school. Reflecting on his own journey, he explained that he would not be where he is today without teachers who guided him, believed in him and encouraged him to continue moving forward.
His message to students was also one of reassurance: not knowing exactly what you want to do after high school should not stop you from moving forward, exploring your options and preparing for your future.
Students were encouraged to remain open to possibilities, ask questions, discover their interests and take advantage of opportunities that can help them identify the path that is right for them.
Giterson said school visits such as the one at Ocean View Academy are important because they allow students to learn about higher education in an environment where they are comfortable asking questions and thinking openly about their futures.
“We want our students to understand that there are different ways to reach their goals. Not everyone will take the same path, and you do not need to have your entire future figured out while you are still in high school. What is important is that you continue learning, listen to the people who are supporting you, explore your options and keep moving forward. USM wants our young people to know that opportunities for higher education are available right here at home.”
Judd also joined the discussion, engaging with students and providing additional insight into the University and the opportunities available through USM.
USM Alumni Making an Impact
The discussion also highlighted the wider impact of USM alumni throughout St. Maarten.
Over the years, USM graduates have gone on to serve in managerial, leadership and professional positions across numerous organizations and sectors, demonstrating the important role local higher education continues to play in developing St. Maarten’s workforce and future leaders.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the USM team to connect with Mr. Todd Chisholm and Ms. Kimberley Babin of Ocean View Academy. The discussions extended beyond the student presentation, with both teams exchanging ideas on how USM and Ocean View Academy can continue working together to expose students to educational opportunities and help them make informed decisions about their futures.
The conversations reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that students have access to the guidance, information and opportunities they need to pursue their educational and career goals.
“Our schools and our University share the same goal, seeing our young people succeed,” Giterson said. “By working together, sharing information and creating opportunities for students to engage with higher education early, we can help them see that their goals are within reach.”
USM looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Ocean View Academy and other schools across St. Maarten as part of its continued commitment to helping young people understand the pathways available to them and supporting them as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
The University of St. Martin thanks Mr. Todd Chisholm, Ms.Kimberley Babin, and the Ocean View Academy team for the warm welcome, meaningful discussions and continued commitment to supporting students.
USM looks forward to future opportunities to work together to ensure that St. Maarten’s students have the support and opportunities needed to dream big, study local and go far.
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Representing USM were Shobhan Giterson of Marketing and Communications, Manager of Finance and Operations Robert Judd, and USM student and Ocean View Academy alumnus Christopher Rogers.
Under the message “Dream Big. Study Local. Go Far.”, the USM team encouraged students to begin thinking about their future while reminding them that there is no single pathway to higher education and that they do not need to have every step figured out immediately.
During the presentation, students learned about the different educational pathways available through USM and how students at various stages of their academic journey can continue working toward their goals. The session also created space for students to ask questions and openly discuss college life, expectations, programmes and opportunities available locally.
A highlight of the visit was hearing directly from Christopher Rogers, who returned to his former school to share his experience transitioning from Ocean View Academy to college life at USM.
Rogers is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts (Math & Science) at USM. As part of his current academic journey, he is completing skills courses in areas such as English, Computer Information Systems, and Mathematics to strengthen his foundation as he progresses through the program.
Speaking with the students, Rogers shared how college differs from high school, including the increased level of responsibility placed on students, the classroom experience, his interaction with faculty and the importance of becoming part of the wider USM community.
He also spoke about activities he has enjoyed at USM, including SGA Unity Evening and Lit Night, which provided opportunities for students, staff and members of the USM community to connect outside of the classroom through poetry, creative expression and student engagement.
Rogers encouraged the students to listen to their teachers and value the guidance they receive while in school. Reflecting on his own journey, he explained that he would not be where he is today without teachers who guided him, believed in him and encouraged him to continue moving forward.
His message to students was also one of reassurance: not knowing exactly what you want to do after high school should not stop you from moving forward, exploring your options and preparing for your future.
Students were encouraged to remain open to possibilities, ask questions, discover their interests and take advantage of opportunities that can help them identify the path that is right for them.
Giterson said school visits such as the one at Ocean View Academy are important because they allow students to learn about higher education in an environment where they are comfortable asking questions and thinking openly about their futures.
“We want our students to understand that there are different ways to reach their goals. Not everyone will take the same path, and you do not need to have your entire future figured out while you are still in high school. What is important is that you continue learning, listen to the people who are supporting you, explore your options and keep moving forward. USM wants our young people to know that opportunities for higher education are available right here at home.”
Judd also joined the discussion, engaging with students and providing additional insight into the University and the opportunities available through USM.
USM Alumni Making an Impact
The discussion also highlighted the wider impact of USM alumni throughout St. Maarten.
Over the years, USM graduates have gone on to serve in managerial, leadership and professional positions across numerous organizations and sectors, demonstrating the important role local higher education continues to play in developing St. Maarten’s workforce and future leaders.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the USM team to connect with Mr. Todd Chisholm and Ms. Kimberley Babin of Ocean View Academy. The discussions extended beyond the student presentation, with both teams exchanging ideas on how USM and Ocean View Academy can continue working together to expose students to educational opportunities and help them make informed decisions about their futures.
The conversations reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that students have access to the guidance, information and opportunities they need to pursue their educational and career goals.
“Our schools and our University share the same goal, seeing our young people succeed,” Giterson said. “By working together, sharing information and creating opportunities for students to engage with higher education early, we can help them see that their goals are within reach.”
USM looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Ocean View Academy and other schools across St. Maarten as part of its continued commitment to helping young people understand the pathways available to them and supporting them as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
The University of St. Martin thanks Mr. Todd Chisholm, Ms.Kimberley Babin, and the Ocean View Academy team for the warm welcome, meaningful discussions and continued commitment to supporting students.
USM looks forward to future opportunities to work together to ensure that St. Maarten’s students have the support and opportunities needed to dream big, study local and go far.
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