Catching Up with Shane Maughn

Shane Maughn, the Central Bank of Barbados’ 2018 SPISE (Students Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering) Scholar recently earned a Barbados National Scholarship.

We caught up with the former Queen’s College student, who will be attending university in the United States to find out how SPISE helped him achieve this feat and what his plans are going forward.

Central Bank (CBB):     Congratulations on winning a Barbados scholarship, Shane. How did it feel when you learned you had earned one?

Shane Maughn (SM):      I was honestly ecstatic. During my last year, the scholarship was something I was working towards so realising that I had indeed succeeded was gratifying.

CBB:      Were you surprised? Or did you expect to get a scholarship?

SM:         I wasn't necessarily surprised, but CAPE is set up in a way that you inevitably struggle in your exams, so it was a relief to know I had accomplished what I wanted to.

CBB:      What subjects did you take at CAPE? Was any one particularly challenging?

SM:         Computer Science, Physics and Pure Mathematics, as well as Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies. Personally, Pure Mathematics was the most challenging for me. The syllabus is extensive, and there were times I had to fill in gaps myself or look for better and more in-depth explanations of concepts.

CBB:      How did attending SPISE help to prepare you for CAPE?

SM:         I think SPISE made my final year very doable, since I was exposed to a lot of the content for Math and Physics at SPISE.  Beyond that, working at such an intense level during SPISE allowed me to really understand my capabilities and taught me how to manage extensive amounts of work.

I also think the SPISE community was highly critical in helping me choose universities to apply to and in supporting me through the application process. For a lot of people, applications really make Upper 6 challenging, and having mentors I could rely on, like Dinah and Cardinal, as well as the teaching assistants, was really beneficial.

CBB:      What university will be you be attending and what will you be studying? What made you choose the school?

SM:         I'm attending Columbia University in New York. The main things that drew me to Columbia were its intense liberal arts nature, so I could still explore areas like art and languages while pursuing an engineering degree, the opportunity to explore New York, and the research opportunities available to students.

CBB:      How are you settling in?

SM:         I've been settling in really well so far. There's been an international orientation and a general orientation, and both have been very in-depth and informative, while also facilitating the chance to make friends. Additionally, one of my friends from SPISE is also attending, so having a good friendship base has been very comforting.

CBB:      You were a competitive chess player in secondary school, going as far as to compete in the CARIFTA Games. Will you continue to play while you pursue your degree? Do you plan to become involved in any other activities while at university?

SM:         I would really like to continue playing, but I'm waiting on the Activities Fair later this week to meet the chess club and determine if I like the atmosphere. I'm also interested in joining the Circle K or another service group since I was a Key Clubber at QC. I'm also just planning to explore various groups at Columbia and see which I like the most.

CBB:      Sounds like you’ll have a wide range of experiences and a well-rounded education at Columbia. We certainly wish you the best.

SM:         Thanks.