18-year-old is UG Tain Campus’ youngest graduate in 2016

Nov 22, 2016 News

It was a joyous day on Saturday for 18-year-old Joylyn Conway. She received her Diploma in Chemistry at the 15th Convocation of the University of Guyana’s (UG), Tain Campus, Region Six, even as she celebrated her birthday.

Joylyn Conway, the youngest graduating student of 2016 at the University of Guyana’s, Tain Campus

Conway said, “At first it was rough because of transitioning from high school and having stayed home for three months, I kind of lost touch with school work. The grades I attained in my first semester, I was not happy with, so I was determined that I would have to work. I know what I wanted. I wanted to make my parents proud and myself proud as well.”
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo who was present at the graduation, congratulated the 224 students on their academic journey. He noted that UG has produced outstanding individuals such as President David Granger.
“I believe that being educated in Guyana at our own university has brought with it a peculiar orientation, that at the end of it all, though it has been long arduous work, you feel that the country has given you something, and in return, you will feel that you have a duty to serve your country,” the Prime Minister said.
While Conway was the youngest graduate among this year’s batch, older persons also took advantage of the programmes that the Tain campus offers. Zita Adrian at 50 is the oldest student who graduated with a Degree in Education (Administration).
“It was a dream come through. At first it was a nightmare, but it was something that I wanted; it’s something that I wanted to do for a long time, and it’s not like now I am knocking at the university’s door. I had started about 10 years back, but I did not get to complete due to circumstances beyond my control. So after all the hard work, I am graduating.”
Delivering the feature address was Professor Jaipaul Singh, who is a Physiology and a Research tutor at the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom. Professor Singh told the students that education is a powerful tool to change their lives for the better. It’s the best gift that parents can give to their children. The professor also told the gathering that the university has a professional national and international Vice Chancellor, whom he believes will do great things in the capacity that he serves.
Valedictorian Lorrie Lee-Farley said that the road was not an easy one, but the batch of 224 made it. Lee-Farley expressed gratitude to the graduates’ families and lecturers who would have assisted them in completing their degrees and diplomas.
“It is with heartfelt gratitude that we look back over the years and see where God has led us to this significant milestone; I know God did not chose me to showcase my strengths, but showcase his,” Lee-Farley said.
The Valedictorian also urged her fellow graduates to pursue their studies further.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) spoke with some of the graduates.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and Valedictorian Lorrie Lee- Farley

Leon Haynes said, “I am graduating with a Diploma in Computer Science. I am hoping to go on to my degree in September. I have enjoyed the first two years, making new friends. However, I am hoping that the university can provide more practicals in this area instead of just theory so that we can get a hands-on approach as they say.”
Arlene Allicock-Campbell stated; “I am graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. Graduating is an honour. The road was not easy, but I thank God, because there were a lot of times you felt like quitting especially when you had to do the 150 hours at different homes; but it was all for a worthy cause.”
For Cordel Austin who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, it was an intriguing experience. “I am hoping that I can get a scholarship to do a Masters in mathematics. Mathematics is not a problematic area. People are more fearful of it than problematic.”
Rebecca Dukhie and Akram Gafoor who both graduated with Diplomas in Accountancy said that the courses are too theoretical and need more practicals. Dukhie and Gafoor said the university can organise with companies and have the students intern, to get firsthand experience.
Debra Nefeiza Ally, Farida Jalaludin, Maria Annaliza Fraser, Coya Nietta Halley, Arifa Mohamed, Sinikka Alicia Purn, Natoya Ermalena Ross-DeSantos, Nasseem Latiff, Naveta Narain, and Junior Basant were some of the students that were awarded special prizes.
UG’s Tain Campus was formally established in 2000 to cater for a large number of Berbicians who had to travel to Turkeyen Campus, in Georgetown to pursue studies. (By Gabreila Patram)

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