LYNDEL Johnson’s path to becoming a lawyer wasn’t planned, but her recent admission to practice law by the Guyana Bar Association is a testament to her perseverance and faith.
Growing up in Victoria, East Coast Demerara, Lyndel’s childhood home, shared with her mother—a retired educator—and two siblings, was one where education and ambition flourished. From a young age, she was surrounded by learning and a drive to excel academically.
Lyndel attended Sacred Heart Primary School and later Richard Ishmael Secondary School in Georgetown, where she gravitated towards the sciences, initially aspiring to become a forensic scientist, inspired by the character Abby from NCIS.
However, after secondary school, her life took an unexpected turn. She began working as a legal clerk, an experience that sparked an interest in law.
“In 2013, I applied to study forensic technology at the University of Guyana and was accepted. But two weeks before classes started, I had a change of heart,” Lyndel recalled. “I approached the admissions department, and a few days after UG opened, I received news that I was admitted to study Sociology instead, as my pre-law course.”
Her passion for sociology deepened, and after earning her degree in the subject, she decided to pursue law.
This new journey, however, came with challenges. To support her education, Lyndel took up teaching at Ann’s Grove Secondary School. While her time there was brief, she described it as an incredibly rewarding experience.
Later, she joined the Ministry of Natural Resources, where she found tremendous support from her colleagues. Despite this, her path was far from smooth.
“There were many moments when I contemplated dropping out, especially when my mom was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery and radiation therapy,” she revealed.
Through it all, her mother’s unwavering faith kept her grounded. With determination, Lyndel completed her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and a certificate in Evidence and Advocacy for Summary Courts Prosecutors.
In 2022, she was accepted to the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas, a major milestone that came with financial concerns.
“My mother reminded me to trust that things would work out, and they did,” Lyndel shared. Financial aid from organisations and her father, who mortgaged his home, enabled her to cover her tuition. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic offered further relief, allowing her to complete her first year online, reducing relocation costs.
Reflecting on her journey, Lyndel acknowledged that it wasn’t easy. “There were many moments where I felt like giving up, but I pushed forward, not only because of the love and support I received but also because I trusted that God had a plan for me.”
Her faith played a crucial role throughout her journey, with Philippians 4:13—”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—serving as her anchor. “It was God’s strength that carried me through, and I hope this verse serves as a reminder that, with faith, we can overcome any obstacle.”
Now officially a lawyer, Lyndel’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. From her childhood dreams of forensic science to becoming a legal professional, she stands as an inspiration for those facing obstacles on their own paths.