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From STEMGuyana to Everyday Life: ‘Lessons That Shape Me’
Kaieteur News – My name is Arrianna Mahase, and I am 26 years old. I first joined STEMGuyana at the age of 18, while I was a student at the University of Guyana. The first time I heard about the programme was through a friend who was already volunteering. At the time, STEMGuyana was looking for three students to represent Guyana at a robotics competition in Washington, DC.
STEM Guyana Advisor Arrianna Mahase
I decided to tag along, honestly with no hopes of being selected. Up until then, I was never the student chosen for competitions or special events at school. I just thought it would be a good way to volunteer my time and maybe offer some of my software and coding skills. What I didn’t realize was that this decision — one I made so casually — would completely change the course of my life.
Once I joined, I quickly discovered there was more to robotics than just coding. I got a taste of the mechanical and design aspects, and I ended up falling in love with them. To my surprise, I was selected to represent Guyana at the inaugural FIRST Global Challenge in 2017, where our team proudly placed 10th in the world!
From there, my journey with STEMGuyana grew deeper. In 2018, I was again selected as a student member of the team. From 2019 to 2023, I had the privilege of serving as a coach, and in 2024 and 2025, I stepped into the role of advisor.
Looking back now, I can see how that one small decision — simply tagging along with a friend — opened the door to years of growth, opportunity, and experiences that continue to shape my life today.
Communication & Confidence
Before STEMGuyana, I was terrified of speaking up. I rarely shared ideas, answered questions, or even asked them. Growing up in Guyana — at least in my time — there was a common culture that children should be “seen and not heard.” If you gave a wrong answer, you were punished. If you asked what was considered a “stupid” question, you were shamed. Over time, that made me stay quiet even when I had something valuable to say.
At STEMGuyana, things were different. Our sessions were heavily discussion-focused. Everyone was encouraged to share their ideas and, most importantly, to ask questions. We were constantly reminded that *no question is a stupid question*. That shift in culture made a world of difference.
Still, the early days weren’t easy. I remember when news agencies visited our team — I would literally hide under the table or rush into the washroom just to avoid being interviewed. I was overwhelmed with nerves. Ms. Karen Abrams, noticing this, gently but firmly pushed me out of my comfort zone. At first, it was something small, like introducing myself to visitors. But that practice slowly grew into bigger moments: Speaking to Members of Parliament, addressing Former First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and even President Irfaan Ali.
The biggest leap came when I had the honour of representing Guyana at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. What once felt impossible — standing and speaking with confidence — had become second nature. Over the years, I went on to do countless interviews, host events, and lead meetings. Today, in my business, those same skills continue to serve me. I feel comfortable leading meetings with my team, addressing issues directly, and settling conflicts — another lesson that started at STEMGuyana. What began as a fear of speaking has turned into one of the most powerful tools in my personal and professional life.
Research & Critical Thinking
Another lesson STEMGuyana gave me was the importance of research and critical thinking. Before joining, I thought research was something you only did when you had a big project or when a teacher assigned it at school. But at STEMGuyana, research became part of everyday problem-solving. Whether it was figuring out why the robot wasn’t working, learning about a new sensor, or exploring strategies to compete with other countries, we had to dig deep, read widely, and think carefully about the information we gathered.
This constant practice trained me to never accept things at face value. Instead, I learned to ask questions like: What is the source? Is this reliable? What other options are out there?* Most importantly, I learned how to break down big problems into smaller, manageable parts — a skill that has become invaluable in both life and business.
Today, I use those same research skills almost daily in my business. Whenever I need to make a decision — from adopting a new system, to managing finances, to improving customer service — my first instinct is to investigate thoroughly. I compare options, weigh pros and cons, and think critically about the long-term impact. That approach helps me avoid rushing into decisions blindly and instead build strategies that actually work.
Looking back, I can see that STEMGuyana didn’t just teach me how to research; it taught me how to think. And that ability — to think clearly, question carefully, and solve problems step by step — is one of the most powerful tools I carry with me.
Listening & Openness
One of the most transformative lessons I gained at STEMGuyana was learning how to listen — not just to hear words, but to truly understand. Before STEMGuyana, I often felt defensive when people disagreed with me. Like many of us, I was used to environments where disagreements felt like personal attacks. But through the program, I began to see that listening is not about preparing to argue back; it’s about opening yourself up to learn something new.
Our team discussions were filled with strong opinions and different approaches, and at first, I struggled. Over time, I realized that every disagreement was an opportunity to broaden my perspective. STEMGuyana taught me to pause, listen carefully, and ask myself: *What can I learn from this person’s point of view?* That shift changed the way I communicate forever.
Another part of this growth came from the opportunities I had to travel through STEMGuyana and the FIRST Global Challenge. Traveling gave me a chance to see what was possible beyond my own environment. It helped me broaden my horizons, meet hundreds — if not thousands — of new people, and build friendships across the world, some of which I still value to this day. Those experiences made me more open to different foods, religions, cultures, and lifestyles and they taught me not to feel offended when someone’s perspective or preference differed from mine.
In my business today, this lesson shows up constantly. Whether I’m interacting with customers or employees, I meet people with different cultures and preferences than my own. Instead of reacting defensively, I’m able to approach them with openness and respect. This shift allows me to build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts more peacefully, and create a more inclusive environment.
STEMGuyana didn’t just teach me how to build robots — it taught me how to build bridges between people.
Big Picture & Business Applications
Looking back, the lessons I learned at STEMGuyana — communication, confidence, research, critical thinking, and openness — have shaped not just who I am, but how I run my business. Every system I implement, every decision I make, and every interaction I have with employees or customers draws on the skills and mindset I developed through STEMGuyana.
Confidence and communication skills help me lead meetings, address challenges, and speak clearly to my team and clients. Research and critical thinking ensure that decisions are well-informed and strategically thought out, from improving processes to introducing new ideas or solutions. And openness — learning to understand and respect diverse perspectives — allows me to create a workplace and customer experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and adaptive.
STEMGuyana also taught me the value of resilience and teamwork. Just like building a robot or preparing for an international competition, running a business requires collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence. The experiences I had representing Guyana on the world stage, meeting incredible leaders, and connecting with people from different cultures reminded me that anything is possible if you approach it with curiosity, preparation, and an open mind.
Ultimately, STEMGuyana gave me more than technical knowledge — it gave me a mindset. A mindset that embraces challenges, seeks solutions, and values growth. Every day, as I navigate the complexities of business and life, I see the imprint of STEMGuyana in the way I think, act, and lead. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
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I do hope all our daughters and sons and grandchildren are giving the opportunity that this wonderful girl did. It’s an example to all our Guyanese youths that they can achieve the things that they love and make themselves proud for all Guyanese. Congratulations 🎉 keep up the good work as it’s a legacy that all youths need as an example Gid bless.