-felt mastering two languages was best option for growth after ‘difficult’ return from Venezuela

WHEN 75-year-old Ann Savory decided to return to her homeland six years ago, she knew there would be challenges. However, she made up her mind from early that she would do everything she could to not only adapt but to build a new, comfortable life here in Guyana.

Among her top priorities was academics and she did not let her age discourage her and cause her to deviate from this goal.

Savory who was born in Region One and currently lives in Georgetown, successfully wrote two subjects at this year’s CSEC Examinations through Mrs. Ingrid Fung’s evening classes. Mrs. Fung, a retired headmistress, is well-known for delivering excellent English results and as she does with all her students, she worked closely with Savory.

Savory who secured a Grade One with straight A profiles in Spanish and a Grade Two in English Language, had lived in Venezuela for many years. In 2018, she decided to return to her country of birth.

“I came back searching for a home. I remembered telling the Customs Officer, I’m like a turtle. You always go back to the place where you were born to die,” she told the Sunday Chronicle recently.

She recounted her challenges and explained the steps she took to rise above them.

“After I returned, it was tough. You know, it was different. And things changed constantly here. In other words, constant movement, constant change. After I got over, let’s say, the first big hurdle which is adapting, I wanted to do something for myself. I wanted to continue growing as they say,” she said.

An elated Savory shared that she thought a good place to start would be to learn the two languages: Spanish and English.

“So, I asked a friend, and she referred me to Mrs. Fung, and I came here. I was skeptical at first, because when I saw the look… it was just children. They could be my grandchildren. But I wanted to, I needed to. I needed to keep my brain functioning. I needed to not lose sight in a goal, just to keep going, not to stay where I was.”

As sharp as ever and to her surprise she excelled in both subjects. Speaking about her experience, Savory who displayed a passion for success stated that she was very surprised when she found out her results.

“it was just for fun. It was just like, you know, let’s play. And then as I got involved, it kept me, it kept my brain [going],” she remarked.

Being an avid reader, she said she was reminded of the importance of reading through these classes. She even challenged herself to read more.

“So, I always walked with a book. Since after meeting him (Semyon Fung), you know, I have a book with me all the time. I had stopped, but since August, I promised myself that I should read at least six books between now and December,” she said.

She explained that holistically as a human being, she wanted to keep learning. According to her, life is a journey of learning and she opined that it is important not to lose track especially those are mature like her.

“I live in a compound with the elderly, and I would see them walking, and I would think, they are lost. You know, just how they move. And when I see them, they inspire me to not be that. I don’t want to be that.

“So, this is one of the reasons that I’ve said let me take it in small steps. First CXC. I don’t know where I’m going from here, but what I do know is that I will never stop learning. There’s so much, so much to learn. So much so that I think one life is not enough.”

Mrs. Fung’s son also taught Savory. Her classes were facilitated by the Minister of Education’s office and the ministry’s Examinations Division.