Despite his exceptional performance in the 2024 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), the Top CAPE Performer, Aaron Gittens, has indicated that his scholastic achievements did not materialise without challenges. Chief among them was procrastination, which increased due to social media.
Although procrastination stems from various factors, Aaron believes that “social media can steal valuable time which can be spent doing more worthwhile things like completing assignments or studying.” The 19-year-old said that he was forced to delete social media apps and spend time away from devices that distracted him.
Gittens insisted, “Proper time management needs to be exercised when using technology to avoid falling into a cycle of procrastination.” Remembering a quote that his physical education teacher repeated while he was in first form, Aaron declares, “Time wasted can never be regained.”
Despite the gravitational pull of social media, Aaron said that God, his parents, and brother provide all the impetus he needs to soar. Always wanting to follow in his elder sibling’s footsteps of educational distinction, Aaron remains appreciative of all the support and guidance he received from family, mentors, and teachers. He also remains grounded in his faith as he continues to foster connections with individuals who share similar values and beliefs.
In 2022, Aaron graduated from the Antigua Grammar School with the distinguished titles of Head Boy and Valedictorian. Equipped with twelve CXC subjects, including eleven grade ones, Aaron enrolled in the Antigua State College where he sustained his pursuit of excellence. During the 2023 June sitting of the CAPE, Aaron achieved a Grade I in each of the following subjects: Communication Studies and Unit 1 of Computer Science, Pure Mathematics, and Physics.
A year later, Aaron demonstrated academic prowess once again in CAPE where he obtained a Grade I in Unit 2 of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Pure Mathematics, and Physics, as well as a Grade II in Caribbean Studies. In July 2024, Aaron graduated from the Antigua State College with high honours and an Associate Degree in Science and Mathematics.
In all his achievements, Aaron gives God the glory and dedicates all things to Him. He lives by I Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
