Although attending university once seemed impossible for 19-year-old Moriah Hamilton, her hopes to pursue a tertiary education were renewed after being granted a partial scholarship to attend Howard University in the United States.
However, being granted a partial scholarship means that only a portion of her university costs will be covered, so Hamilton is appealing to the public to help her raise US$20,000 to ensure that her tuition and housing fees can be paid.
“Going to university has been a dream of mine that I’m on the cusp of achieving with the support of my family and friends and hopefully, the help from you-the public, government and companies. To aid in contributing to my cause, more info and contact can be made to my mentor Mr. Patrick Stephens (688-3670).I extend my gratitude in advance for any support that you will be able to offer,” Hamilton wrote on her Facebook Page.
During a press conference held last week, Hamilton, a resident of Sophia, disclosed that she had applied for several scholarship opportunities to attend a university. Most did not respond in her favour but then Howard, a university based in Washington, D.C., granted her a partial scholarship to pursue studies in Civil and Green Engineering, which is her major, and Communications.
She noted that her family is unable to cover the remaining cost required for tuition and housing so they have decided to seek assistance from the public.
Hamilton disclosed that she, along with her two brothers were raised singlehandedly by their mother, who always encouraged them to take their education seriously and on numerous occasions stressed on its importance.
“Carol Hamilton, our mother…sacrificed the wealth of her years to ensure that my two brothers and I could have access to the knowledge and resources that would ensure that we had a successful journey,” Hamilton said before adding that their journey has always been rough especially since they often had to deal with financial difficulties and other unfortunate circumstances.
Nevertheless, she said, she remained at the top of her class throughout Primary School but did not get a place at one of the top schools in Guyana. This, however, did not deter her and she made a decision to excel in school despite her difficulties at home.
Hamilton said, she achieved six Grade Ones and six Grade Twos at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, which helped her gain admission at Queen’s College to sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
She disclosed that during her first year at QC, she achieved first place for Green Engineering in the Caribbean and fourth place during her second year. In addition, she said she participated in a number of initiatives which allows for youths to invest in a sustainable future. She noted that she volunteer a significant portion of her time with the Youth in Natural Resources initiative, the Girl for Girl foundation and is a climate change ambassador with the Rights of the Child Commission.
“After being homeless twice, attending university seemed virtually impossible but it is my mother’s faith, my passion and determination that keeps the dream alive. Through, my volunteerism, activism and at Howard University, I pledge to be an agent of change, not only in my community but for Guyana’s green and sustainable development,” she said.
