Twenty-one-year-old Safrawz Sharief achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0 in his Civil Engineering degree and said he owes this accomplishment to his drive to succeed and the encouragement he received from close relatives and friends.
“A mere pass doesn’t satisfy me. To be honest, I don’t like the idea of getting a B or a C. That’s from the personal level,” Sharief, who was valedictorian of the University of Guyana’s 46th Convocation, told Stabroek News in a recent interview.
The young man said he was ecstatic after learning that he was valedictorian and was excited to share the news with those who helped him achieve this; his parents and a few friends.
Sharief said he achieved his success though constant regular attendance, completion of assignments and “hours and hours” of intense studying.
Born in Coffee Grove, a small village on the Essequibo Coast, Sharief said he comes from a five-member family; himself, parents and two sisters. His two sisters have also graduated from the University of Guyana; his elder sister in 2007 and the other in 2011.
He said he started his education at the Danielstown Nursery School and then moved to CV Nunes for his primary education. After SSEE, Sharief said, he was enrolled at the Anna Regina Multilateral School where he placed first in the country at the National Grade 9 Examinations and second in the Caribbean at the 2007 CSEC examinations. At secondary school, this bright young man was recognised as the best graduating student of his batch and the best all-round student. Immediately after high school, he enrolled at UG to read for a degree in Civil Engineering.
There, Sharief said, he became involved in the routine activities of going to classes, making friends, completing assignments and preparing for examinations. “Exposure to campus life contributed to emotional and psychological maturity. It was worth the while,” he said, adding that the overall experience at the university was enlightening, splendid and memorable.
Having graduated once again at the top of his batch, Sharief said his immediate plan is to get a job but at the same time, he is considering a Master’s degree. “I haven’t decided in what field as yet. What I am sure about though, is that I would like to become a research professor,” he posited.
Describing himself as a fairly intelligent individual with high values placed on ethics, morals, righteous principles and justice, Sharief said he possesses a very approachable personality and enjoys a good laugh like any other. Also, he said it is his belief that music is one of the most prominent elements in our lives.
He further stated that he leads a normal, simple lifestyle and has a keen interest in a wide range of activities such as reading, watching television, the outdoors and also a good game of cricket.
“Nothing of extraordinary note… I like to read – writings on serious issues, light-hearted matters and full blown humorous stories. I watch a lot of TV shows, I believe a little too much. My favourites include ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘How I Met Your Mother’, ‘Two And A Half Men’, ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. I like big open spaces and natural scenery. I have an impassioned open mind – I appreciate different people and the world’s diversity,” Sharief related.
Turning his attention to issues affecting the Guyanese population, Sharief said the brain drain in our society has been an ongoing issue. “This was one of the debate topics at High School. The deleterious effects of the haemorrhaging of skills cannot be overstated. It is grossly inimical to the country’s development. I think we have the distinction of being the country with the highest rate of skills loss through brain-drain,” he stated.
According to Sharief, the open market, free movement and the high remuneration offered by developed countries and stronger economies make it difficult for Guyana to retain these highly qualified people. He further opined that while it is impossible for Guyana to offer salaries on par with regional and extra-regional states, an appreciable increase in salary combined with other incentives might very well encourage some people to remain. “Incentives such as free house lots, home construction at subsidised costs, and government assistance in expenditure for family health care and children’s education, and an attractive pension scheme might very well cause people to stay,” the 2012 valedictorian told this newspaper.
Asked about what the administration and/or higher authority can do to further develop the University of Guyana, Sharief said that there must be an urgent upgrading of the facilities with an infusion of vital resources in the labs to bring the students up to the level that obtains in top universities.
He also pointed out that the existing Wi-Fi coverage on the Turkeyen campus should be improved, and if possible, additional hotspots should be installed.
Sharief added that serious attention must be given to increased salaries for lecturers so that highly qualified personnel would be attracted and that government can also implement more scholarship schemes for first degree lecturers to improve their qualifications. “This would create a qualified core of persons serving the university at all times,” he stated.
He added too that there should be more opportunities for participation in extra-curricular activities, such as sports and games, performing arts, talent shows, etc, so that campus life could contribute to the development of the all-round personality of students.
In offering advice for both prospective and current students of the institution, Sharief encouraged them to pursue a course in which there is a great deal of interest, adding that success in hinged on this most significant choice. He further stated that these individuals should instill in the mind the idea that they are going to perform at their optimum in each course for every semester. “Make this a personal mantra. Follow this faithfully and you’ll succeed,” he concluded.
