By Caroline Layne
I am taking this opportunity to share my story with you and trust that you will see it fit to publish it on your website. My name is Caroline Layne born on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, now residing in the greater Toronto area for over 40 years.
I was brought up in a religious home in the town of Barrouallie where my parents were members of the Anglican Church. My entire family worshipped at St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. Within me, I had the urge to pursue Scripture from a theological point of view and in 2002 I graduated from the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College with a diploma in lay ministry. I lazed around for a few more years, and in 2006 I felt as though I was called once again to the classroom, and decided to go back to college and pursue my dream.
I was accepted again, this time at the University of Toronto’s Trinity College. There, I pursued my studies as a seminarian for six years on a part-time basis while working at a full-time job. On May 8 at 8 p.m., I will graduate with a master of divinity with the intention of becoming an Anglican priest.
I am delighted to share this story because I am the first Vincentian woman who has done this program at Trinity College. During my studies, I was faced with the death of my mother, Mrs. Mary Layne and last year, the death of my father Mr. Frederick Layne. I am a mother and grandmother, a sister to my seven brothers, an aunt, mother-in-law and sister-in-law. While undergoing my studies, I volunteered in the Pastoral Department at the Birchmount/Scarborough General Hospital in Toronto and kept up with my worship week after week.
I am sharing this with you to encourage all young people, to follow their dreams, and in addition, to encourage other women that it is never too late to study and to make a commitment especially if it is to do the things in which our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS would find delight.