The journey of 34-year-old Quinissa Edmund is not one of privilege or wealth but a compelling narrative of how she transcended adversity to pave her path to higher education and a bright future.
Her roots, firmly grounded in a humble household at Paruima in the upper Mazaruni District in Region Seven, were enriched not by wealth but by abundant love, strong religious values, and an open-door policy for those in need.
Quinissa Edmund at work
Growing up in a single-parent home, Quinissa spent her formative years under the nurturing care of her grandmother, grandfather, and aunt while her mother toiled in Georgetown at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), striving to build a career.
I can say I grew up in a very poor home. If my values were based on financial standing, oh boy, but since it is not, I would say I grew up in homes filled with unconditional love, strict religious values, and one open to pretty much anyone in need.
Educational pursuits began at Paruima Primary School, leading her to secure a regional scholarship for Bartica Secondary School.
Her journey was not without hurdles, as she failed Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
While this was a setback, it did not deter her spirit. In fact, she strived forward, seizing a hinterland scholarship to attend the Government Technical Institute (GTI) to read for a Diploma in Secretarial Sciences.
Unfortunately, I was never able to secure the diploma as I was ‘referred.’ I never quite understood what that meant to date. Now imagine how I felt not securing my diploma after completing my required two years at GTI. Although that may have dampened my spirits, I kept pursuing courses that were available, such as computer courses at the Global Technology and all others that I could have put my hand to.
After completing her scholarship at GTI, the now 34-year-old was required to serve the government at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. When her time was up, she was employed by the same Ministry full-time.
Quinissa relayed to Things Guyana that it was always her dream to attend the University of Guyana (UG), but this seemed improbable due to the fact that she failed mathematics – a required subject at the university – compounded with her not acquiring her Diploma from GTI.
Fortunately for me, during my stint working under a specific Minister, I was encouraged by her continuously to attempt to pursue my degree at UG by doing the entrance examination, which I attempted in 2018. I failed the first time by six marks. The very next year, I again attempted that exam and was successful and granted a place to pursue my degree, with effect from September 2019. How ecstatic I was, it was just the beginning, but to me, I already had a degree.
No matter how ecstatic I was about pursuing my degree, I never really thought through the challenges that came with it, which started to take a toll on me within the first year. I had challenges completing my assignments in a timely manner as I was struggling to balance full-time work life, marriage life, and classes.
Despite the challenges, her determination to finish what she started remained resolute. In the same vein, she navigated a series of professional upgrades, now holding the post of Community Development Officer responsible for all community development councils across all regions.
It is due to all my aspirations and pursuit of my goals that, unfortunately, probably resulted in a broken marriage that again took a triple toll on my grades. However, I had one goal, and that was to finish what I started and to be able to walk the stage as a degree holder after so many fails and attempts, and that’s why I am here today.
As the eldest sibling, this 34-year-old Community Development Officer assumed the role of mentor to her younger brothers and sister, all charting their unique paths.
Her influence was profound, guiding her siblings toward careers in law enforcement, carpentry, and scientific pursuits, with her youngest sister mirroring her educational zeal, aspiring to delve into biology as a foundation for cardiology.
With her sights set on a future in high-level governmental offices, this UG graduand aims to use her experiences to uplift and empower struggling young individuals, mainly focusing on guiding and supporting disadvantaged youths. Her journey doesn’t halt at a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management, but plans are afoot to pursue a Master’s in 2024.
Her advice to those treading a similar path echoes her own tribulations: stay focused, guard your purpose, and safeguard your academic achievements. Education, she affirms, is an asset that no one can strip away. It is the bedrock upon which you build your proudest achievements.
No matter where you come from, Education is something no one can ever take away from you – That is you doing you proud.
