UTT B.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering Systems Alumnus Shemuel Cadogan Realising Potential through Adversity

At the tender age of nine, Shemuel Cadogan was diagnosed with a hearing and speech impediment, but he has never allowed this to define his identity or deter him from attaining his goals.  

 

With a keen interest in drawing and computer-aided design (CAD), Shemuel perused The University of Trinidad and Tobago's (UTT) dynamic programme offerings, eventually deciding to pursue the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Civil Engineering Systems, as a full-time student. 

 

Shemuel graduated in 2014 with a B.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering Systems with Structural Engineering. 

 

With a strong will to succeed despite the odds, Shemuel relied on other senses and novel techniques to communicate with his Instructors and classmates. He mentioned, "I understood the engineering theories and concepts mostly by reading the Instructor's lips, as well as transcribing notes from the white board, however, only in my final year, was I given a sign language interpreter in some of my classes. This was very helpful and made the learning process much easier." 

 

For Shemuel, his pursuit of excellence was not exempt from challenges, as he admits persons were not always mindful of his condition, but he does not recall experiencing any form of discrimination at the University. As the Director of Deaf Sports Trinidad and Tobago, a Group under DRETCHI, Shemuel strongly advocates that deaf students, or those hard of hearing, ought to be afforded a sign language interpreter for all classes to ensure that they receive an equal opportunity to learn and meaningfully contribute to class discussions. 

 

Today, Shemuel is a Site Civil Engineering Technician at Mc Tallahatchie Construction Company Limited, with the responsibility for overseeing materials and equipment, reading drawings and ensuring accurate measurements. He credits his success to his wife, Queller, and Ms. Nicole Malone, Sign Language Interpreter at UTT, who both supported him and offered words of encouragement through his studies. At the moment, Shmuel does not have any immediate plans to pursue postgraduate studies, however his focus at this time, is on establishing his own Civil Engineering consultancy firm. 

 

Shemuel does not think of himself as being limited by his hearing and speech impediment. He is greatly appreciative of all that life has to offer as he has achieved much and is well prepared to embrace all new experiences which lie ahead.  

 

As the national University, UTT will always seek to ensure that all students are given an equal opportunity to Reader their fullest academic and personal potential. As such, students of UTT with special needs are provided reasonable accommodations and/or modifications in order to have equal access to programmes and services offered by the University.