OFTEN the top students of the University of Guyana hug the media spotlight on graduation day, and soon after, the attention on them and those who graduated disappear. However, things took a different turn this year, due largely to COVID-19, which necessitated adjustments be made to ensure adherence to social distancing and other factors in keeping with national guidelines to safeguard against the contraction and spread of the pandemic. As such, unlike previous years when the graduation was a one-day affair, this year it was spread across several days and held virtually, a first for the University of Guyana. This undoubtedly demonstrates the ability of the University of Guyana to adapt to change and deliver in a challenging environment. Despite its own challenges, Guyana’s premier tertiary education provider quickly adopted to the new COVID-19 environment by putting systems in place that enable online learning at a time when universities the world over were shutting their doors as a result of operational strains occasioned by the pandemic.

These efforts by the University of Guyana under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, are deserving of much praise. It should also be noted that Professor Mohamed is no stranger to the media, having facilitated numerous training sessions for local journalists and served as judge in several media awards competitions celebrating excellence in journalism. She understands the value of keeping the public informed and it is within this light that the work by the university’s public relations team with regards to the happenings at the extended graduation is most commendable. It has placed the spotlight not only on the top graduating students of the respective faculties, but also on those who, against great odds, persevered and graduated from UG. Immediately, the story of 20-year-old Rajni Persaud comes to mind. Despite the challenges battling cerebral palsy (CP), a disorder that affects movements, muscle tone or posture due to damage to the brain, Persaud motored on and stood out in her class.

The young lady, who did the Diploma in Accountancy programme, did not just graduate, but graduated with distinction. Her story is a living testimony that disability does not mean inability and what the mind conceives, one could achieve once effort is dedicatedly channeled towards achieving the set goal. This determination of spirit was adequately captured by Persaud, who, in relating her struggles, said: “It was sometimes difficult to get into some of the classrooms, but that did not stop me from achieving my goals. Quitting was not an option, no matter what happened.” Her story is an inspiration to the many people in Guyana battling disability of varying kinds as it underscored that one should not give up without trying and focus, dedication and hard work are key factors that enable change and success.

While Persaud’s story was one of triumph despite physical challenges, the story of Nicolas Ariston Chesney, also a young UG graduate, featured in our Tuesday’s edition, is one of determination to succeed and some would say daring entrepreneurship. Confronted with challenges to meet his expenses, young Chesney never contemplated dropping out at university but found a simple, clean and legitimate way to help fund his studies and did not shy away from relating his method. “I sold plantain chips, chicken foot, cassava chips, sweet potato chips,” related the young man, who started small but expanded and earned the name “Chips man” in the process. Chesney, who injured a nerve during his chip-making, is an epitome of perseverance and a testimony that perspiration turns inspiration into reality. It was most rewarding when he was awarded a Bachelor Degree in Engineering from the University of Guyana, during one of its recent convocation exercises.