From chessboard to career

Life often resembles a chessboard. Each move carries weight, each decision shapes what follows.

Kamari Stevens was fascinated by chess because it sharpened his patience, challenged his focus, and demanded foresight. The game taught him to recognise patterns, anticipate outcomes, and act with confidence. That same way of thinking soon guided his academic interests, where mathematics and probability became his natural territory.

“I’ve always liked figuring out the odds,” he says with a smile.

Growing up, logic was his compass. Numbers offered clarity, and structured challenges allowed him to thrive. At the same time, he enjoyed the freedom of self-expression outside the classroom. Friends often joked that he viewed life as one big equation, always calculating, predicting, or weighing outcomes in his head. Whether over a chessboard or in everyday choices, he approached life with the mindset of a strategist.

For a long time, Kamari imagined himself pursuing medicine. His sister was already on that path, and he admired her ambition. But watching her endure the exhausting pace of medical school, the long nights, the constant stress, the sacrifices, changed his perspective. He began to wonder whether there might be another way to use his talents.

The answer began to take shape during a conversation with a teacher at Wolmer’s Boys’ School. When asked what direction he truly wanted to take, Kamari responded simply: “Something with math.”

His teacher quickly reminded him of his natural gift for probability and problem-solving, encouraging him to think differently about his options. That exchange was a spark, giving him permission to imagine a future aligned with his strengths rather than someone else’s expectations.

That spark guided him to The University of the West Indies (The UWI) , Mona, where he chose to pursue a degree in actuarial science, a natural extension of his love for numbers and problem-solving. At The UWI, logic became his anchor in the lecture halls. But university life was never just about academics. Like many students, Kamari lived in one of the halls of residence, a community where students not only lived and studied but also built traditions, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging. Hall’s life became just as formative as lectures and tutorials. Late-night conversations in the common areas, laughter after long exam days, and bonds that grew into family all left their mark.

BEST MEMORIES

“Some of my best memories don’t involve studying,” he recalls. “They involve the people who turned into family.”

These relationships taught him balance: how to work hard while also living fully. They also grounded him in the value of community and reminded him that success is not only about individual achievement, but also about the support system around you.

Another defining experience came through the Brewing Success Internship Programme at Red Stripe. The programme gave him mentorship, exposure to corporate life, and practical opportunities to connect his love for numbers with real business applications. It didn’t change who he was. Instead, it built his confidence and sharpened his vision for the future.

Now, as he steps forward, Kamari views his future much like a chess match. Every stage of his journey is a move, and every decision an opportunity to influence the outcome. Challenges will arise, obstacles will test his resolve, and unexpected turns will demand flexibility. Yet, he trusts the lessons he has carried with him from childhood: to stay patient, to think ahead, and to remain steady in the face of pressure.

“Chess taught me to respect the process,” he reflects. “You don’t win with one move. You win by staying focused on the long game.”

Kamari’s story is a reminder that the right path often reveals itself through experience, mentorship, and courage. He once dreamed of wearing a white coat but discovered that his true gift was elsewhere. Like a player studying the board, he recognised his strengths, adjusted his strategy, and chose the direction that felt right. His journey proves that, when you trust your instincts, the possibilities stretch far beyond the first move.