Copping the top spot in Region Six at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) still has 19-year-old Aliza De Nobrega beaming with joy after her hard work and prayers paid off.
Aliza has achieved Grade One passes in Computer Science, Environmental Science Unit One and Caribbean Studies. She has also gained Grade Two passes in Environmental Science Unit Two, a three in Biology, four in Chemistry and five in Applied Math Unit One.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry with a double in Environmental Science and Molecular Biology at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. She said her post-bachelor plans are to attend Medical School and specialize in Neurosurgery.
Aliza was also the top student of New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in 2006 where she passed 17 subjects. She then continued her ‘A’ level studies at NAMS where she sat the CAPE exams.
She told this newspaper via email that when her parents Albert and Devi De Nobrega of La Caribe Diner in NA called to give her the good news she was very happy.
“I am excited to be the top student of the region. It’s quite an accomplishment because I had studied very hard and I really did put everything I had into studying.”
The pre-med student said that her success is due mostly to her constant prayers and her strong belief in God. She thanked God for “the strength, guidance and wisdom he’s given me.”
She also credited her achievement to her parents and two sisters – one of whom is also studying at the University of Dallas – for their “encouragement, love and the resources they provided me to work with.”
Further she thanked her “teachers at NAMS; those who taught me and those who were there for me this year. Without them, this would not have been possible. I also wish to thank my friends who encouraged me,” she said.
“It was very tough and a lot of sacrifices (such as giving up television and music) had to be made in order to get all my studying projects completed while wanting to participate in as many events as possible in my last year at multi.”
Although “many nights were spent up at 4:00 am trying to grasp the concepts in the subjects I was taking I still made time to have fun and relax with family and friends and playing the piano.”
She advised other students taking the CAPE exams: “There is no limit to accomplishment and no dream is greater than another dream. Work hard and make sacrifices because it is through suffering that accomplishments are truly enjoyed.”
Further she said, “Studying may not be fun but learning can definitely be if you’re open to it; no one can take knowledge from you.” She also urged them to “be wise about your decisions… and remember God in everything you do. He’s mediator of all things.”
