Young UG graduate determined to rise above personal challenges and disappointments

“BREAK the stereotypes surrounding you, whether it’s which community you come from, your family, academic level or just self-doubts, everything is possible once you’ve set your mind to it, believe it and you will achieve it.” These words were the advice from a young woman who knows all too well society’s misconceptions that often haunt residents of the community of Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

At age 19, Tiffany Forrester is a small business owner, a part-time employee at the Giftland Mall and the epitome of determination to rise above despite hitting ‘rock bottom.’ Currently, she is celebrating her graduation from the University of Guyana with an Associate Degree in Biology. Already, she has eyes set on pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree and subsequent Master’s Degree in the same field of biology.

One of seven siblings, Tiffany is from a single-parent household, having lost her father in 2009, when she was just seven years old. A tragedy that affected her deeply, Tiffany recalled how her father died on the spot when struck down by a drunk driver while crossing the East Bank highway at the section popularly termed ‘Agricola road head.’ The family plummeted into financial hardship since Tiffany’s mother, a self-employed snackette operator, became the sole breadwinner.

Tragedy and disappointments
“I struggled for years after the passing of my father because I had lost my most important male figure; let’s all be honest: a girl needs her father when growing up teaching us right from wrong, doing things a mother simply can’t,” she reflected in an interview with this publication.

Describing The Bishop’s High as her ‘dream school,’ Tiffany recalled her disappointment when she did not secure a spot there after completing primary education at the private ABC Academy.

“I felt like I wasted my mother’s money, to be honest, but I know I had to change when I reached the secondary level,” she stated.

At the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary, Tiffany was successfull at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) exams in which she gained passes in eight subjects, including six grade twos, one grade one and a grade three.

Buoyed by her CSEC performance and convinced of a chance to pursue her ‘dream school,’ Tiffany applied for Sixth Form at Bishop’s.

Turning devastation to winning
“I was certain I would get in, but I did not because of a particular subject. You could imagine how devastated I was. I then decided to apply to the university where I did my Associate Degree in Biology,” the young woman indicated. Although she found a liking to science at a young age, Tiffany said her passion for the field grew deeper with the passing of her father.

The years went by quickly at UG, but not without the struggles as Tiffany juggled studies and work. It got so difficult on several occasions that she thought of quitting, but reminded herself, “quitters are never winners.” Looking back, she highlighted the disappointment of not getting into Bishop’s High School as an inspirational change and a stepping-stone to climb higher in her academic pursuits.

During the time, she gained a support system that included friends, who Tiffany termed as “amazing persons” whom she “holds dear to heart.” At home, her mother remains Tiffany’s biggest source of inspiration.

“When I talk about a role model, I’ll be portraying the image of my mother because she’s indeed a strong woman,” Tiffany declared.

Giving back
In August 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany started a small business, Elite Stationery, to provide families with stationery and supplies necessary for their children’s education and without having to “spend an arm and a leg.”

“I want children to also have fun while learning without it seeming like punishment. The experience so far has been nothing but amazing; my loving customers always ensure to leave me reviews so I know if I did my job right,” the young entrepreneur noted.

In the coming years, the young woman hopes to advance her career and holds dreams of having ‘MD’ added to her name. She also looks forward to helping others in need.

“My advice to younger adolescents would be to take your education seriously, that’s the only tool nobody can take away from you,” Tiffany said.