Interview with Ryan Evans

The Student Revolving Loan Fund is committed to giving opportunities to Barbadians to study, and Ryan Evans is one of those students who received necessary assistance, helping him to earn a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Human Resources at the prestigious University of New Brunswick in Canada.

Thanks to the group effort of his parents, Barbados Community College guidance counsellor and his sureties, Ryan was able to receive a loan to pursue Marketing, although it was not yet a popular degree choice in 1996.

Ryan was always a passionate, self-sufficient individual, and the SRLF allowed him to be responsible for his own future through making his own financial contribution to his education. Not only was he able to go to a university of his choice, but this responsibility also allowed him to be more driven and self-motivated, since he had invested in his own success.

Studying in a multicultural, liberal environment with an interactive learning approach developed Ryan's critical thinking skills and he became appreciative of the concept of professionalism and punctuality. He credits these valuable life skills as key to the career success that he has achieved to date, since working in such a competitive environment teaches you to get the job done, despite any circumstances. He claimed that he had to attend classes in -57 degree weather, and once even during a hurricane!

The greatest benefit of Ryan's university experience is the fact that the campus was very technologically advanced for its era, allowing him to amass a wealth of computer skills. His career has been shaped by this advantage, as he was able to start his own company in 2003, Simpatico Barbados, offering computer based solutions. A few of their services include building computer systems, installing systems, strategic counselling, and devising marketing plans. According to Ryan, I am a fireman, I out fires. Currently he is also the Administrator of SDRR Hydraulics and Industrial Spares Inc., and is doing an MBA with the University of Durham.

Ryan lauds the SRLF because the comparative costs of other loans are more expensive, and because of its fixed rates, it is easier to pay off. He states that the loan isn't about making money, it is about helping students to get an opportunity that would not be otherwise available. The staff is very courteous and there is a genuine interest in the progress of the students.

Ryan advises potential students in need of funding to research and get information on the SRLF. For those who have been granted a loan, he recommends that you start paying back the loan as soon as possible, as interest still accrues during the study period. He encourages everyone to know their options and choose wisely&after all, it worked for him.