The University of Guyana’s 58th convocation was marked by an inspiring address from Valedictorian Shaneeza Persaud, who shared her remarkable journey of resilience and triumph over adversity.
Persaud, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a perfect 4.0 GPA, captivated her fellow graduates with her story of perseverance through personal and academic challenges.
Originally from Venezuela, with Guyanese heritage, Persaud’s academic journey began in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She navigated the difficulties of virtual learning, and later moved to Guyana in 2023, away from her family and friends, to continue her studies.
Despite the hurdles, including adapting to a new environment and catching up on coursework, Persaud found strength in her support system of peers, professors, and her parents, who played a pivotal role in her success.
In her speech, Persaud encouraged her fellow graduates to continue striving for excellence, no matter the challenges they may face.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also addressed the graduates, urging them to apply their talents and knowledge to drive the ongoing transformation of Guyana.
Highlighting the country’s growing economy, President Ali emphasized the importance of the new generation of skilled professionals in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for Guyana.