But her decision to return to school makes Alexander a poster girl for determination and ambition, demonstrating that regardless of her handicaps, including being visually impaired, it is never too late to achieve one’s dream.

Alexander sat five O’Level subjects -- in Math, English, Literature, Human and Social Biology and Social Studies -- and passed all.

Achieving distinctions in three fields.

The last time Alexander sat in a classroom was as a Form Three student at Holy Faith Convent, Couva.

She left out of frustration, having no support to assit her in adapting without her vision.

“I did not have anyone to coach me,” she said.

At the age of six, Alexander was diagnosed with cataract (a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision).

This led to surgery and post-op treatment, which went horribly wrong, leaving her sight irreparable.

“The only thing that can make me see now is a miracle,” she said.

The family lived in Claxton Bay, in Central Trinidad, and with most of the country’s specialised medical services located in the North, they did the best they could.

But Alexander knew that if she were to make a better life for herself, she had to get an education.

Her return to high school was no easy task, however.

Transcribing class lectures from a tape recorder into braille was time-consuming.

On top of that, she had lot of catching up to do since she had not been in a classroom in 13 years.

But she deflected those challenges with the help of her schoolmates who read to her during their lunch hour.

Some would even go to her dormitory and read to her.

Her dear friend Khazlur Rahaman Baksh also volunteered to serve as her “eyes”, frequently visiting her on campus and taking the time to read to her.

Their friendship began with a conversation on a CB radio.

Four years later, he orchestrated bpTT’s involvement in Alexander’s education quest.

“I spoke to Gerard Jackson and he advised us what to do,” said Baksh, who is also called Khaz.

bpTT has supported and continues to cover Alexander’s expenses at the Caribbean Union College where she studies.

But all this, Alexander said, could not have been possible without divine intervention.

“I believe that God has a bigger purpose for me,” she said.

Her next step is to find a job to fuel her other aspiration -- to pursue a degree in Mass Communications and International Relations.

“I want to become an ambassador,” she said.

“We are pleased to continue to support Asha in realising her dream,” said Jackson.