Among the latest batch of University of Guyana (UG) graduates this year are proud sisters Towanna Crandon-Primo and Kaleda Crandon, who are the first members of their family to acquire tertiary education.
Towanna, 28, and Kaleda, 26, have earned a Diploma in Public Management and Degree in Marketing, respectively.
In a release on what it described as one of its success stories, UG said the women, who are on a mission to excel in their careers, were aware they needed to equip themselves with the necessary skills and so they pursued tertiary education.
But their journey to academic success has not been without its challenges, though they now both believe that it was all worth it in the end and commend the value of hard work to future students.
According to the release, Towanna, an Immigration Officer, found her greatest challenge in readjusting, following a nine-year hiatus from studies, after completing high school,
“I had to get accustomed to studying and attending classes. I also had to cope with the online learning when it first started because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, my journey was a little bit of fun mixed with a lot of sleepless nights. However, I will not lie, it was worth it in the end,” the release quoted her as saying.
She highlighted crafting a study-schedule, which she said helped keep her on track, and gradually becoming accustomed to online classes, which she says she now prefers over face-to-face learning.
The proud graduand is said to have expressed gratitude to her immediate family, especially her husband, whom she credited as her main motivation and support; as well as her job.
Her encouragement to pros-pective students: “It will be challenging but keep pushing and do not give up, it will be worth it in the long run and you will graduate feeling proud of yourself because it is not an easy road.”
Meanwhile, little sister Kaleda shared that her biggest challenge was balancing studies and a fulltime job.
“It was challenging having to work and attend the University of Guyana because having to focus on projects at work and staying up late to catch up on studies and assignments was a challenge for me,” she was quoted as saying.
She said it was her parents who motivated her to further her education as they themselves did not have the opportunity of completing secondary school.
According to the release, when asked how UG has shaped her life, Kaleda smiled and replied, “Here I am after four years of vigorous studies with a Degree in Marketing. The University has changed my way of thinking and helped me to become a better critical thinker.”
Her advice to other students: “Do not underestimate the study materials. Always try to keep ahead of your studies.”
The university has said that a record number of attendees are expected for its convocation activities this year, since the online nature of the events places no limit on the number of invitees.
The proceedings can be viewed @uniofguyana. via the university’s Facebook page.
The graduation dates announced by the university are as follows:
Friday, February 4, 2022
• Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
•Faculty of Engineering and Technology
•School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation
Saturday, February 5, 2022
• College of Medical Sciences
• Behavioural Sciences & Research
• Faculty of Natural Sciences
Friday, February 11, 2022
• Faculty of Social Sciences
Saturday, February 12, 2022
• Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Faculty of Education and Humanities
• Institute of Distance and Continuing Education – Degree and Diploma Programmes Only
