Anguillian Giordan Connor, now a highly qualified university graduate, is a fine example of how an ambitious young man, who started out as a footballer, can make it to the top of the ladder in education through sheer hard work and dedication.

Giordan Connor

Connor, 28, who started working in Anguilla on July 2 at National Data Services, a company owned by the National Bank and the Caribbean Commercial Bank, has a long and proud record in the United States.

A Fifth form graduate from the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, he was a well known member of the National Football Team and worked for three years at Benjamin’s Group of Companies. He then left for Missouri in the United States to play soccer (football) and to study Management Information Systems at Lindenwood University. “I was a national footballer in Anguilla for several years and played from an early age to the senior national team and I went to Missouri on a partial scholarship and to study in the academics,” he told The Anguillian.

Following his undergraduate studies he obtained a double BA degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems. He later returned to the university and was awarded MBA with emphasis in Finance. “Originally I wanted to study computer science but once I got to university I wanted to expand on it a bit so that I could be more rounded,” he stated. While doing his MBA degree he worked with a major beer distributor as an Assistant Controller for two years.
Asked how he felt about his achievements, the humble and quiet young man replied: “Pretty good. It took a lot of discipline and hard work. I left home set for something and I wanted to achieve it to feel proud for myself as a footballer and for the people who supported me. My aim was to play abroad at a higher level and the achievement is a lot and it is always good to have a good background not only in sport but in education as well. It takes a lot to combine and manage it. I am proud of what I achieved because I worked hard for it. Once you worked you feel better when you are rewarded.

Connor, the son of Iva Connor and grandson of Constance Benjamin, is a shinning example not only to other young men in general but to his own siblings. “Two brothers are following in my footsteps and going to the same university,” he reported. “They are Samek Connor, 24 and Iston Benjamin, 26, who are both playing tennis and studying. So there are open doors not just for me but for them and other youngsters who want to combine sports with education.” Samek is studying Business and Marketing and Iston Business.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Anguilla, E. Valentine Banks, who has followed Connor’s life as a student and national footballer, has expressed admiration and delight over his achievement. He noted that coming from a humble family Connor had worked himself up the ladder of success thus making his relatives and all who knows him very proud of his success. He added that Connor was a fine example for other aspiring youth and hoped that many other youngsters would seek to emulate him.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News