-Nkechi McPherson is the best graduating student from the Faculty of Technology

AT the age of 21, Nkechi McPherson knows what it feels like to stand among the top academic performers in the country. On Saturday, she became the youngest person to be awarded best graduating student in the Faulty of Technology at the University of Guyana (UG).
Born in the county of Berbice in 1995, this young scholar began her academic career at Stella Maris Primary after she moved to Georgetown with her family. Nkechi sat the then Common Entrance examination and was awarded a place at St. Joseph High School.
“My parents were always stern with our education, especially my dad. Mediocrity is unacceptable in our household. My mom is very nurturing. Had it not been for her I wouldn’t be where I am. I even remember the days in high school when she’d have to get up so early to send us off for lessons at 6:00 am,” she recalls.
And this paid off. In 2011, when she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, Nkechi secured 11 grade ones and a grade two.
At the tender age of 16, having just completed high school, she would commence the first of two years at UG reading for her diploma in Geological Engineering. At the time, Nkechi was a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) scholar and so the programme was paid for by that agency.
She said she was also guided by her father before applying to UG, since she was uncertain what she wanted to pursue.
“My father guided me. Had it not been for his wisdom, I wouldn’t be where I am. Your parents know what’s best for you. You may not see it now, but you’ll appreciate it in the future.”
Upon completion of her diploma, which lasted two years (2011-2013), she was awarded the best diploma student for the Faculty of Technology. For her outstanding performance, she was awarded the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) award.
After completing her diploma, she worked at the GGMC for one year on industrial attachment. It was during that time that the agency recognised a need for Civil Engineers. As a result, she registered for the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering.
However, she was faced with a minor hurdle. According to the young scholar, it was difficult pursuing a degree when she hadn’t the prerequisite diploma. However, she persevered and was not just able to successfully complete her degree, but receive the best graduating student award.
Nkechi earned a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) which translates to her receiving all As during the duration of her programme.
“Through it all, my UG experience has been great. Putting aside the hard work and the countless hours of studying, practically living at UG, I can say I’m grateful for it.”
She credits her successes to her family, whose support she could not have done it without.
“I’m so grateful for my family. They were always so encouraging and because I was at UG I could get away with certain things. Some Saturdays I’d go to the library to study just to get away from chores, so I’m indebted to my sister for doing my chores,” she said with a laugh.
But for her, UG did not only offer her academic successes in life. She shares that during her first year at the institution, she met her boyfriend Sultan Dinool, who would become her best friend and study mate.
“When I met my boyfriend in my first year of UG, people said it would be a distraction. But here we are, four years later, both graduating future engineers of Guyana” she said, adding that Dinool is also graduating with a distinction.
Academic achievement though is not unique to Nkechi’s family. Her brother studied Forestry Engineering in Cuba, while her sister, Soyini McPherson – a former UG student – is now in Edinburgh, Scotland, completing her Masters. Soyini is a Chevening Scholar.
As of now, the 21-year- old says she is not sure what she wants to do, but that she intends to do something to contribute to Guyana’s development.
“I intend to do something the country requires, because I want to see my country develop. Possibly oil exploration… who know?” she laughs.
Nkechi hopes that her simple story will encourage other students to reach for the stars and never settle for mediocrity. She believes that one does not have to be the richest (financially) or even the smartest among the lot to achieve academically in life. Rather, it is about application and dedication, which can propel that person to achieve what they never thought they could.