Don’t be carried away by the distractions of the world – teacher tells teenagers   

We live in an era where our young teenagers, especially girls, are carried away by the distraction of what life throws at them. Some are taken so far away that they forget their dreams and aspirations.   

Annalisa Sammy

As a result of the preceding, 26-year-old Annalisa Sammy is currently on a mission to educate our young teenagers not to be carried away. In fact, she has been doing this every time she steps foot in front of the classroom.  

Lisa was born on the 4th of August 1994 at the Woodlands Hospital. She grew up on the beautiful Fort Island, with her four siblings. However, after some years, her parents relocated to Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).  

Reflecting on her childhood, Lisa said that growing up for her wasn’t a comfortable ride as it was riddled with potholes. Nevertheless, she dodged, swerved, and conquered.  

I remembered when I needed my assignments to be printed; I would go by my cousins and spend the weekend. I know of doing house chores at a young age since my mother was trying to get an income as well.

However, with the fire burning inside to pursue a better quality of education even at a tender age, Lisa attended the Vergenoegen Nursery School and then moved to the Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary School. She then wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and gained 505 marks, which gave her a spot at the West Demerara Secondary School.   

I was doing pretty well there; I met some amazing teachers and friends. It was then when my parents separated, and it crashed my world. I felt as though everything was falling apart. It hit me hard because I felt as though my life was a battlefield, going to the high court and witnessing animosity and hatred among our family. 

With her parents at odds, Lisa was forced to make some big decisions and take up responsibility at a very young age. In fact, her mother migrated to Barbados, and she was forced to leave the West Demerara Secondary School and was placed at Global Academic Center located at Waterloo Street.   

It was a big transformation for me, but something kept me going, and I know that was god’s guidance upon my life. Even though it was a trying time for me, I kept my focus and managed to gain six subjects’ grade one and two.

She then migrated to Barbados with her mom and started studying six form at Barbados O level. She completed her studies there and then ventured off to BIMAP, studying marketing management. She also completed her studies there.   

Lisa then applied to do her degree at the University of the West Indies. However, due to the hefty fees non-national would usually have to pay, she was forced to withdraw from the programme.   

I took a break and started working as a salesperson, then a receptionist. I also did makeup courses and attended the gym to better myself in every aspect. I saved every cent of my money I worked for. I remember seeing other work colleagues all dressed up and nails well done, but I chose to save my earnings because I wanted my own vehicle when I returned to Guyana. I remember saving every dollar I get and purchased gold jewellery also and sell them back to gain a profit.

After some time went by, the 26-year-old woman came back to Guyana and purchased her first car. She also applied to become a teacher.   

I really enjoy helping kids because my childhood was a roller coaster. I started working for 48,000 monthly, and that was my installment, so at the end of the month, I left with no money.  After I finished paying for my car, I thought of renting my car and saving to get another vehicle. I realized that car rental was a good start, so I bought another and rented persons weekly.

 Even as a teacher, Lisa found a passion for hair and experimenting with natural skincare products.   

Along my journey, I met my daughter’s father, who motivated me in everything that I wanted to do. Even though I didn’t gain any certificates in cosmetology at that time, I enjoyed doing hair colouring, and I realized it always came perfectly. so I decided to do hair courses and open my own beauty shop where I can provide products for any type of hair and skin because I believed that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, and if we use the right product to enhance our beauty, we would see a better reflection of ourself. 

After giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Lisa gained a few pounds and decided to begin back her fitness journey since she believes “in doing what’s good for your body and eating what’s beneficial to your health.”   

Lisa at the gym

A woman of many talents, Lisa has donned multiple hats, but the most prominent of them have been an entrepreneur, a mother, and most importantly, a teacher.   

I must say along my journey, I learnt everything that we do is about a mindset and believing we can achieve great things, always set high boundaries and don’t let the obstacles in life stop us from achieving we all have a purpose here on earth and to carry out that purpose we must first believe in our self.  

Being a teacher for about nine years at Tuschen Primary School, Miss Lisa would usually advise her students not to be carried away by the many distractions life offers. She noted that she would have had some past students who dropped out of school and couldn’t do anything valuable with their life.

I often would tell my students not to get carried away with the present moment and think about how you can make your future great regardless of the circumstances you should always look for a way out. Being independent and building yourself gives so much confidence. It doesn’t just settle being a stay home mom/housewife; find your purpose, and chase your dreams. Since this pandemic came upon us, I thought to myself we should use this time constructively even though it is a disaster, we should still see to find a light in the dark tunnel.

This young entrepreneur recently constructed a little hideout spot at Zeelugt New Scheme, EBE, where family and friends can meet and have a great time.  

“Apart from fitness, my next best hobby is cooking so I wanted to use my skills. I want to offer healthy and hearty meals to the public, not the average creole dishes but more like grilled food and vegetables. We are so accustomed to our regular creoles’ food. Making cocktails and experimenting is the next level of happiness for me to offer shakes, smoothies, and cocktails.”

She added,“Throughout my journey, there are some genuine people who stood with me. I must say to my fellow females, choose your company wisely, and surround yourself with people who motivate and build you. Stay true to yourself, and most of all believe, manifest, and trust the almighty.”