This graduation season at the University of Guyana, we honour the incredible journeys of those who are the first in their families to achieve a university degree. For these graduates, earning a degree means more than personal success—it’s a victory for their families and communities. Their stories reflect resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to creating new paths for future generations. Below, we feature a few of these trailblazers whose academic journeys will no doubt serve as an inspiration to many others.
Areana Jainandan will be graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
For
, 24, being the first in her family to graduate from university is indeed a proud moment. The young teacher of Vreed-en-Hoop Primary has successfully completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education). “UG was a rollercoaster for me. There were moments when the number of assignments and deadlines felt overwhelming, and I considered quitting. However, I’m glad I didn’t. I’ve reached the finish line and am now a graduate teacher,” she shares.
“I stayed the course, and today I am overjoyed that I have made myself and my family proud. My family, especially my mother, has always supported me throughout my educational journey. Most importantly, I emerged stronger, equipped with not just a degree but also a profound appreciation for the journey and the resilient spirit it instilled in me.”
Areana explained that her dream was always to acquire a university education and that she was determined not to allow anything to prevent her from achieving that goal. “Even though my parents were very poor, they always instilled in me and my younger sister the importance of getting a sound education. From high school, I went straight to the teachers’ training college, and again without taking a break, after I graduated as a trained teacher, I went straight to UG. Certainly, I will not stop here. I want to continue working to become the best I can be in my career,” she added.
Akeem Stoby will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Akeem Stoby is paving the way as the first in his family to acquire a university education. He will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Akeem notes that this achievement “creates that path for my younger siblings to follow.”
His sister has already taken inspiration from his journey, enrolling at the University of Guyana to pursue her own dreams.
Akeem’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. He initially lacked a laptop and had to rely on borrowing from others. “When I started university, I was unemployed… my eldest sibling sent a computer, which helped me a lot,” he explained, emphasising the importance of family support in overcoming hurdles. Throughout his time at UG, Akeem held various leadership roles, including treasurer of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) and faculty representative. These experiences, he says, helped shape him.
Looking forward, Akeem aspires to become a Chartered Accountant. He hopes to leave a lasting legacy for his community, saying, “I want to be that person that when a little child looks up at me, he/she will say, ‘I want to be like Akeem.’”
O’statia Simon will be graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management
O’statia Simon, a 20-year-old from St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri, is the first in her family to achieve a university degree, earning a BSc in Public Management. Known as Miss Region #4 Indigenous Heritage Queen 2024, she hopes to inspire her family and siblings by showing them that perseverance can open doors. “Being the first to reach this level of education in my little family makes me tear up. The hard work, determination, and commitment truly paid off,” she shares.
Like many others, her journey has not been without struggles, including limited resources and moments of self-doubt. “I’d call home crying, longing to return to my village,” she recalls, adding, “but I never backed down, and that’s the mentality I live with. My biggest lesson was trusting the process.”
She credits her parents as the foundation of her success. “Their stories and sacrifices are my true inspiration. Neither of them finished school, but they’ve ensured we get the best education,” she says proudly.
As a trailblazer in her family, O’statia hopes to give back to her village and region. “I stand as a pioneer of hope,” she says. “If you have a dream, it was placed there for a reason. Take control of it.”
Alliah Simon will be graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
Alliah Simon, a proud Lokono hiaro from Pakuri Village, is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Her journey has been driven by a deep commitment to conservation and Indigenous advocacy. Reflecting on her role as a leader on campus, she shares, “I actively engaged in campus life, serving as President of the University of Guyana Biology Club and co-founding the University of Guyana Indigenous Students Society.” Through this society, Alliah focused on preserving Indigenous cultures and knowledge while building a supportive community for Indigenous students studying at UG.
Alliah credits her mother as her greatest inspiration, saying, “As long as I can remember, my mum has been making sacrifices for me and my siblings.” Her achievement is a moment of pride for their family, and Alliah’s impact is already visible—her two older sisters are now first-year university students, following her lead.
Alliah hopes to further her studies in conservation to champion environmental preservation for Indigenous communities. “The legacy I want to leave is one of empowerment—especially for women, Indigenous women, and those from marginalised backgrounds,” Alliah states.
Aaliyah Baker will be graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry
Aaliyah Baker is the first in her family to graduate from a university. She has successfully completed the requirements for a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Reflecting on this achievement, she says, “I am blazing the path for my cousins, my brother and sister. It kind of feels like pressure, but it means the world to me.”
Aaliyah’s journey has not only inspired her younger family members but has also become a beacon of hope, as she breaks generational barriers in her family. Her path was not without challenges. Adjusting to university life was daunting, especially after transitioning directly from high school. “I was expecting to be spoon-fed, but I had to learn to work independently,” she shares.
Aaliyah also faced academic setbacks, including having to redo a course that delayed her graduation. Yet, she persevered, crediting her parents and boyfriend for their support. “My mum does two jobs, and her hard work pushed me to keep going. There is no such thing as giving up.”
With aspirations for a Master’s in Biochemistry and a career in the oil and gas industry, Aaliyah also hopes to mentor young students in STEM. She encourages others: “Delay is never denial. Keep pushing forward. Make yourself proud, and never give up.”
These graduates stand as pillars of hope and inspiration, showing that dreams can be realised with determination and a strong support system.
(Feature written by the Department of Events of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana)
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