Michael George hasn’t changed one bit

For Michael George, fourth son of the Georges’ of Wales, West Bank Demerara, life has not changed much, despite the many academic success. Michael has always been a trailblazer on anything he set out to achieve. In fact, speaking to him, you will realize he likes saying, “I always go after what I want and I tend to get it!” He didn’t attend any fancy schools, but always worked diligently to achieve what others shy from. Michael graduated as the best student from West Demerara Secondary in 2005, excelling in the Sciences. He credits many of his tutors, especially the late Ms. Shondelle and the bold Ms. Grace for his success. Michael developed a love for the Natural Sciences and this led to him pursuing Advanced Studies at St. Stanislaus College in 2006. At first this was daunting, a new environment and very tough tutors. But, Michael applied and left after a year, with high grades in Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, and Communication Studies.

September 2006, Michael enrolled to read for a degree in Chemistry at the University of Guyana. He aced the program, graduating with a perfect 4.0 and was adjudicated the valedictorian, for which he won the President’s Medal. He proceeded to share his knowledge after accepting a one-year contract with the University within the same Department, to tutor and mentor students. After one year of teaching, Michael tried to get information on scholarships to further his studies, but red tapes were everywhere. Back then; the system was very opaque, meeting/knowing the right person tends to reward you rather than having the qualifications. Nevertheless, he persevered and applied for graduate school in Canada and the UK. He successfully got into two schools, one in Alberta, Canada, the other in Oxford, UK. But funding dilemmas would make that a singular choice; he was heading to Canada to pursue a PhD.

Fast-forward four years, Michael successfully defended his PhD thesis and will be graduating in November 2015. Not only has he excelled academically, proven by the many scholarships and awards he received, but he has left a lasting impression on many of his fellow colleagues. Come the 18 November 2015, Michael is one of four graduating PhD scholars nominated for the prestigious Governor’s General Gold Medal for academic and research excellence at the University of Alberta. None of this deters his humility; he’s the guy who can converse with anyone, even if his or her political or scientific views are different. All of this makes, Dr. George, at only 27, a role model for many kids growing up in Guyana, thinking of what path to take out of poverty and be a change. He grew up in a household that educated their other sons. In other words, you had one chance to perform and excel, or get out a find a job to provide.

These days, Michael landed a job as a Researcher in one of the premier science laboratories in Canada. He is part of a team focused on developing technologies to fight climate change, improve water purification, and develop niche health solutions. Speaking to him on a daily basis, you will realize this is just short term because he intends to go back to Guyana, to make a change in whatever way he can. At a time when many are leaving the shores of Guyana because of meagre wages and nepotism, here is a guy willing to contribute to the greater good of humanity. In the end, Michael doesn’t pass as a good ‘ole’ scholar; he prefers the outdoors, a few drinks, and meeting new people, instead of gluing his retinas in a book. His story is testimony that success comes to those who are patient, forward, diligent, and fierce.

(Contributed)