Two cousins who grew up in the close-knit Golden Grove Housing Scheme on the East Coast of Demerara are making waves in the academic world. Both are set to graduate this week from the University of Guyana with high honours.
Saffiya Greene and Nikita Elias have not only excelled in their studies but have done so in the most remarkable of circumstances, achieving distinctions in their respective fields.
Saffiya will graduate with a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management, while her older cousin Nikita will receive a Bachelor’s of Education, specializing in English.
Their success is a source of immense pride not only for their immediate family but also for their entire community. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging times they both navigated while pursuing their studies.
The cousins’ academic journey began in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the university transitioned to fully online learning.
Saffiya, who was entering university for the first time, faced the unique challenge of pursuing her degree without the traditional on-campus experience.
“We didn’t have face-to-face classes; everything was online, and that was definitely a challenge,” Saffiya shared.
“It wasn’t just the academics—it was missing out on that entire campus experience: meeting new people, making friends, and interacting with professors in person.”
Despite these hurdles, Saffiya persevered, supported by her family and particularly by Nikita, who had already earned a degree before embarking on her second academic pursuit.
“Nikita was like a mentor to me during my first two years,” Saffiya said. “She had already taken many of the same courses I was doing, so I was able to lean on her for guidance and advice. It made all the difference.”
For Nikita, the journey to graduation is her second. After completing her first degree in the field of Education, she returned to university to further specialize.
“I’ve always believed in the power of education and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to pursue it again,” Nikita said.
“This time, I’ve had the chance to shape my expertise and focus on what I truly love: teaching English.”
Though their majors were different, the cousins’ shared experiences brought them closer together, and they remain each other’s biggest supporters. Both will walk the stage in separate ceremonies this week: Saffiya on Friday, November 8, and Nikita on Saturday, November 9.
Despite graduating a day apart, their accomplishments are intrinsically linked, shaped by the shared journey that began during the pandemic and the unshakeable bond of family.
Saffiya, who has always aspired to further her education, is already looking ahead to the next step in her career.
“I always wanted to attend university, and now that I’ve graduated with distinction, I’m aiming for my Master’s in Supply Chain Management,” she shared.
“I want to specialize and eventually become an expert in the field. This is just the beginning for me.”
The pride in their voices is evident, but what shines even more brightly is the gratitude they express for their families.
“Family is everything to me,” said Saffiya. “I couldn’t have done this without them. They were there for me every step of the way, offering unwavering support. This is a victory for all of us.”
Nikita echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the significance of their shared achievement.
“We’ve been through a lot together, and to be able to walk across that stage with Saffiya is an incredible feeling,” she said. “It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve accomplished.”
For the Greene and Elias families, this is more than just a graduation—it’s a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and the power of family.
As Saffiya and Nikita prepare to take the next steps in their careers, they also set a powerful example for others in their community, showing that with determination, support, and a clear vision, dreams can indeed become reality.
As they take the stage this week, the Golden Grove cousins are not just graduating—they are setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
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