One young girl’s battle to emerge on top

By Gabriella Chapman

AMESHA Persaud of St Anthony’s Primary School in Bartica emerged third in Region Seven and first for her school at the recently-concluded National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). It is Amesha’s story that struck the hearts of persons in her community.

At just the tender age of two, Amesha was diagnosed with Nephrotic syndrome and her mother was forced to move to Brazil for her to receive treatment. The treatment lasted for seven months and weakened her immune system. Amesha was often sick as a result of her ordeal and soon after developed asthma. This disease stuck with her to date and has denied her of living to her fullest potential.

Amesha’s class teacher, Estiva Lake, stated that her medical condition took a toll on her attendance at school and her participation in physical activities, but she is a very persistent and determined pupil and was never daunted by her condition. “Amesha’s attendance was very poor because she often gets sick to the point where she has to be admitted in the hospital for days, sometimes weeks. Naturally, I thought that would have caused her not to perform well at her exams, but Amesha is very persistent and determined and I admire her for that. She remained focused even through her sickness,” Estiva said, adding that up to just two days before the exam, Amesha was admitted in the hospital.

Monevia Rahaman, the mother of this special child, stated that she is a single parent of four and Amesha is her second child. She expressed how sad and difficult her journey was in raising Amesha with her ailments, but she forever showered her with all the love and support she needed. “Amesha would miss school two to three times a week – sometimes a whole month she’s at home because she’s not well enough to sit through the day at school. But I love all my children and with the help of God and my parents, I stay strong to be the support system they need, especially Amesha,” the mother said.

Amesha, herself, was very vocal and expressed that she was filled with mixed emotions when she got her results. “I felt very happy with my performance but I was a bit angry because I know I could have done so much better, if I was fortunate enough to attend school regularly. But in everything I give thanks. So thanks to God for his sustenance in my life; my mother and father, grandparents who stayed up many sleepless nights with me,” she said. “I’m just happy to be alive to share my story today and encourage others.”

GRADUAL SUCCESS
The star pupil shared that she didn’t start off as a high flyer. She was an underperformer who worked her way up the chain. “I started off at getting eighth place in my class, worked my way up to fourth then first, now topping my school even with my many challenges.

If I can do it, anyone can. It is important for a pupil to know not to amount their self to their peers. It is important that they know, the person who learns the most is the person who moves from 39 per cent to 55 per cent and not the person who moves from 93 to 95 percent,” she said. “Learning has to do with desire, curiosity and effort.

The person who gains the most value is the person who comes from the farthest. So don’t worry yourself about how others do better than you, but look at yourself and see how far you have come. That’s how we should judge all our achievements. I love telling stories and this is a fraction of mine so thank you for giving me the opportunity to share.”

Amesha Persaud attained 498 marks and was awarded a place at the St. Joseph High School. She and her family have already moved from Bartica to prepare her for her new journey. However, the family resides in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Amesha would have to travel every day to Georgetown to attend school. This is, therefore, a concern for her mother, given the young girl’s condition and the distance she’d have to travel should anything happen at school. Nonetheless, they are both committed to remaining positive and hopes that she emerges successful in this new journey.