Former Top CSEC performer urges graduates

By Indrawattie Natram

IN 2012, young Sarah Hakh, a student of the Abram Zuil Secondary School in Region Two, emerged the top performing student at that year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations. Now, the young woman has some sage advice for children her age and younger: to set meaningful goals which will help to pave the way as they pursue higher education.

Hakh was at the time delivering the feature address at the Fisher Primary School’s Graduation and Prize Giving exercise. She travelled from the United States of America where she is currently pursuing her tertiary education, to attend the event and explained that it was important that she was present to deliver the feature address to the children of the primary school that helped to nurture her into the young lady she is today. She said while many adolescents at the age of 12 do not really know what they want to achieve in life, it is important for them to aspire toward a particular career path. She told the students that secondary education is the second step in a child’s life and as such, it is important to set a foundation and goals and work towards achieving them.

“At your age, I was also wondering what I wanted to become. I was unsure which path to take, but if I had known what I know now then life would have been different, so I am advising you to set your goals; ask yourself what you would like to become in the future and then go and achieve them, don’t get confused,” Hakh told the graduating class.
Taking example from the adage ‘experience is the best teacher’, Hakh went on to advise the children on the way forward, stating that later on, these tips will work out for the best.
“Adjust your life to suit the demand of your goals. If you do this, life would be much easier. You’re probably wondering what I am saying but when you reach 22 years old like I am, everything will make sense,” she said.

During her address, she also recited a poem from American poet Hunter Thompson and took the opportunity to ask the children, “Are you ready to float with the tides, or swim with a purpose?” She urged the children of the school to remain focused and to continue to study. She also urged parents who were present to guide their children and assist them in unlocking their potential.

“You may not reap the benefit now, but you will in the future. Don’t give up, you will be proud in the end. Continue to study in the nights and also continue to make your school, your community and your parents proud,” Hakh further charged the children. She said that Thompson’s poem explained that man’s real mission is to understand the deeper purpose of his existence and to commit to making choices and seeking out paths that help them live their purpose.

At the end of the graduation, she also used the opportunity to interact with the children and take photographs. She also presented several prizes to those who performed well at the school. The best graduating student for Fisher Primary is Poolan Seemangal who attained 506 marks.