Keith Cort’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering support from family and community. Born and raised in Guyana and the youngest of three siblings, Cort’s story is one of overcoming odds and seizing opportunities.
In an interview with Stabroek News, Cort, who has been accepted to pursue a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) starting this fall, said that his upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. His parents, he said, particularly his father who worked tirelessly to provide for the family, and his mother, his biggest supporter, played pivotal roles in shaping his character. Cort’s two sisters served as constant sources of encouragement, cheering him on as he pursued his dreams.
During his years at the Bishops’ High School, he related, he not only excelled academically but also formed lifelong friendships that provided essential support during challenging times. Completing his Caribbean Secondary Education Certifi-cate examinations in 2016 and the Carib-bean Advanced Proficiency Examination in 2018 laid the groundwork for his future endeavours.
Post high school, Cort embarked on a rigorous path to study in the United States. He secured employment at the Bank of Nova Scotia while he began navigating the complexities of foreign studies as a first-generation college student. Determined to succeed, he sacrificed sleep to study for the SAT before heading to work and this became his norm, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his goals.
In March 2020 when he received life-changing news of his acceptance to Howard University to study Mechanical Engineering on a scholarship. However, while his scholarship covered tuition, he said, he faced the hurdle of securing funds for room and board. Cort said he reached out to alumni networks, mobilising support to raise the necessary funds for his first year.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges when Howard University transitioned to online teaching. Despite setbacks, Cort persisted, balancing a full-time job at the bank with a full-time college course load. His resilience paid off and he finally embarked on his journey to the United States in August 2021, carrying with him the hopes and dreams nurtured over the years.
At Howard University, Cort continued to excel. He said that he later secured a Resident Assistant position to cover housing costs. Through the relentless pursuit of scholarships and opportunities, he managed his expenses while focusing on his studies. His dedication culminated in him being selected for the prestigious MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), affirming his passion for advancing aerial capabilities.
Rejecting a higher-paying industry internship in favour of the MSRP underscored Cort’s unwavering commitment to his long-term goals. His dedication bore fruit when he was accepted to pursue a master’s degree, a dream realised through years of hard work and perseverance.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter at MIT in the fall, Cort reflected on the journey that brought him to this point. Every challenge and triumph have shaped him into the person he is today, a testament to the adage that the journey is the destination. With gratitude for his humble beginnings in Guyana and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Cort said that he is poised to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead at MIT.
The future holds endless possibilities for Keith Cort. Armed with resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he is ready to face the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. As he embarks on this new phase, he said he remains grateful for the support he has received and is committed to making the most of every opportunity, not just for himself but for all who have believed in him along the way. (Khadidja Ba)
