Single mother and university graduate shares how she turned life’s challenges into stepping stones for success

“THE sky is never your limit, and never settle for less,” says Anastacia Pereira. The 24-year-old mother and teacher is a recent university graduate with an inspiring story. Born and raised by a single mother in Georgetown, Anastacia was not always as passionate about education as she is today. Her childhood and university years were filled with numerous challenges. After the loss of a loved one and becoming a single mother, Anastacia used her challenges to fuel her success, never letting hurdles stop her from achieving her dreams.

“Growing up, I wasn’t always the most inclined with my books, but my mother believed in me. She’d buy me books every Christmas, pushing me to keep learning. I found it boring at the time, but looking back, I realise she saw my potential long before I did,” Anastacia said to the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview.

Anastacia says she owes much of her success to her mother, who recognised her potential even before she fully embraced it herself. As the youngest of four children, she grew up in a household where academics were valued, though she wasn’t initially drawn to her studies. This changed as she entered high school, however. “My journey really started in those early days. I may not have been the top student, but that time planted the seed of resilience in me. It’s where I first began to realise that it’s not where you come from that matters; it’s where you’re going,” said Anastacia.

Her mother’s persistent encouragement, especially through gifting books and urging her to focus, laid the foundation for Anastacia’s educational journey.

Later, attending Kingston Secondary, she gradually began to realise her own capabilities, supported and encouraged by teachers and mentors who believed in her potential. “I’ll always be grateful for the teachers who encouraged me. They saw what I was capable of and pushed me to be better, to be the best version of myself. It’s because of them that I learned to believe in myself, even when I didn’t see the way forward,” she said.

Anastacia’s profound faith would be tested as she began her time at university. Facing financial challenges, Anastacia worked while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. Life, however, brought unforeseen trials. After becoming a mother at 20 and the subsequent loss of her fiancé, Anastacia said her life took on new challenges.

“During my second year at UG, everything seemed to happen at once. I lost my home to a fire, my son’s father passed away, and I was still trying to keep up with my studies. It was a time I’d describe as catastrophic, but it was also the time I learned just how strong I could be,” she said.

Reeling from the loss of both her home and a loved one, Anastacia did not back down from gaining her degree. Contrary to what most people would have done in the situation, she continued her education. “There were days I’d go without sleep, sometimes not eating, because I was so determined to ace my exams and make a better life for myself and my son. I would kneel down, call upon the name of the Lord, and find the strength to go on. It wasn’t easy, but faith kept me going,” she said.

The challenges she faced gave Anastacia the encouragement she needed, aiming to make both her son and mother proud. “The hardship I went through taught me resilience. I tell people that no matter where you are, the starting point doesn’t define your journey. With faith and perseverance, there’s always a way forward. I’m living proof that God’s grace can carry you through anything,” she said.

Now a graduate, Anastacia has blossomed in her new chapter as an educator, driven by a desire to inspire students who may be facing struggles of their own. Teaching allows her to pass on the values of perseverance and self-belief that her mentors instilled in her. “Teaching is something I feel called to do. After everything I’ve been through, I want to give back. I want to be the kind of teacher my students can look to when they’re struggling. Just like my teachers did for me, I want to help them see the strength they have inside,” she shared.

Anastacia aspires to be a role model for young people, encouraging them to look beyond present challenges and believe in their potential. Anastacia remains committed to personal growth and serving others, confident that her experiences have prepared her to make a meaningful impact.

“One thing I always tell my students: You’re not a product of your circumstances, you’re a product of your decisions. Whatever challenges you’re facing, you can overcome them. Believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone else’s validation define your worth,” she said.

Now a proud mother and educator, Anastacia says her inspiring journey is not yet over, as she hopes to complete her Master’s Degree. Anastacia, like so many other graduates this year, is proof that challenges are unavoidable, but it’s up to you to continue being inspiring.

As Anastacia stated, “Moving forward, I’m hoping to pursue my master’s degree. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ve learned that nothing worth having comes easy. My son and my students motivate me to keep going, to keep pushing toward the future I envision for us.”