PATRICK Benjamin-Huntley is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for his peers. He uses most of his spare time to help those in need and to make a difference with organisations and NGOs. His childhood was very interesting due to the duality of playing outdoor with friends mixed with the boom of the technological age. Patrick idolised his grandfather as his father figure. His grandfather along with his mother and grandmother—the special women in his life– helped to mould him into the individual he is today. They guided him and gave him council whenever needed. Patrick is also very thankful for the sacrifices they made to ensure that he made it this far in life as well.

He attended Queen’s College and says it was an amazing experience. Life lessons taught there, such as discipline and persistence would be integral in helping to shape his future as a person who wants to ignite positive changes wherever he goes. With all of that exposure, it helped him with the things that he has done so far. He realises that in the end, other people may need positive persons to look up to and maybe ignite the feeling inside of themselves to start being a better person. As such, after being exposed to volunteerism, Patrick has seen the positive impacts that are made by being an influencer for good and positivity. His grandfather and family are some of his biggest influences who continue to be my support system in times of need. The journey thus far hasn’t been an easy one, but he thanks God for giving him the strength, courage and charisma to keep striving forward despite the challenges. Huntley is currently aiming to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Guyana after which, he aims to make a positive impact in the professional field once he finishes.

Life’s challenges were ever-present as he kept progressing. He is grateful for all challenges, as they mean you are constantly moving forward. One in particular that he had to overcome is negative thinking. Many times while growing up, he would be negative about certain situations or things, and he had to learn and accept that everything that happens is working out for the greater good, whether it be, you’re thinking that a bad grade is the end of the world or missing an opportunity to attend a function, it is all for your own good, better is coming. Patrick believes he has mastered the art of optimism and he will use it to help to motivate other individuals, so that they can see the best of situations and in turn effect more with their actions.

Currently, Huntley is a student of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Guyana; he is also a youth leader who serves in various capacities from marketing specialist for the U.S. Embassy Youth Action Network to senior vice-president of the University of Guyana Students’ Society. He is also an avid volunteer with Come Alive Network Inc (CANI) and through these various volunteer organisations. “I have built a very good network of persons who are also interested in giving back to less fortunate youth and self-development and they have been great influences to my journey over time. I enjoy marketing and coordinating events that build the capacity of others and also helping to suggest and execute solutions that would enhance individuals and their well-being,” he said. “I was selected to represent the University of Guyana at the Global Entrepreneurship Programme this year in Boston, USA, at the University of Massachusetts, which sees the participation of various universities from countries around the world such as India, China, Myanmar, England, Scotland and many more. At this international forum, I am glad to say that I was directly involved in winning various competitions and challenges put forward to various teams such as the Difference Maker competition and the overall Business Pitch.”
Patrick also has been awarded a National Youth Award for his years of service as an avid volunteer from the Department of Youth. Volunteering has played an integral part in shaping this young lad into the helper and solution maker that he is today. It has helped him to develop his teamwork, capacity and leadership skills. In pressing forward every day there are new things that he learned and that he always wants to pass onto his peers and colleagues. Being a volunteer and a youth leader helps him to send these positive lessons out constructively. His plans include being an environmental consultant and also an entrepreneur. This young volunteer also enjoys providing solutions to various problems in his direct environment and surroundings; and in the future he definitely wants to be a part of the solution to propel our nation into better and higher levels.

Some advice that Patrick Huntley wants to give fellow persons with a similar story to his to, “Keep pushing forward positively. Communication is key and it is very good to vent and talk about things. Communication and understanding is a key tool to help you connect with others and to build your network. Keep being persistent and consistent with your goals and dream, so that one day you can achieve what you set out to!”