“I always loved science and wanted my career to revolve around that,” Calvin Roberts

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) play a critical role in the health system by performing lab tests on blood, body fluids, cells, and tissues – but often, their jobs are overlooked. 

Medical Laboratory Technician, Calvin Roberts

A blood sugar test to diagnose and monitor diabetes, a biopsy to check for cancer; prenatal testing to detect genetic diseases; enzyme analysis to identify heart disease; assessment of cells and tissues to aid surgical decisions – these and thousands of other tests performed by MLTs provide the results other health professionals need to deliver the best care.

But for Calvin Roberts, he always had a passion for science and wanted his career to twirl around it. But his journey to achieve a career in science speaks of determination and relentless hard work in order to succeed. 

Going back to his infancy, Calvin is the eldest of three children and grew up in a closed knitted community called Zeelugt located on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE). 

Being the eldest child, he was tasked with taking care of his other siblings. He recalled having to fetch water from a nearby canal before heading and when he returned from school. 

“Zeelugt was not as developed as it is, as this was about 25 years ago. It used to be a squatting area. So, you can imagine, it was swampy, had a lot of bushes, and potholes,” Calvin stated while adding that “Growing up, I enjoyed playing marbles, saul out and drop it, peter boy, drop it behind me.”

Though he grew up in a nuclear family, the lab technician shared that his parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet. 

“I’ve always loved science, and I always wanted my job/career to revolve around that.” 

He attended the DeKindren Nursery School before heading over to the Zeelugt Primary School and concluding his secondary education at the Leonora Secondary School. 

In 2010, Calvin graduated from the Leonora Secondary School as a top student, copping passes in eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). One year later, he applied to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to pursue the Medical Laboratory Technician programme. He was selected as one of the candidates for the programme. 

However, during the programme, he experienced a life-changing incident which he distinctively recalled. 

“As the journey continued, it became a bitter/sweet moment for me, my father, the sole-breadwinner – injured himself and was on bed rest for almost one year. I became frustrated, depressed, and wanted to quit because I had no one else to support me through that period, especially financially.” 

The young man relayed that he cried many nights and days as he saw his “dream and career being snatched away.”Nevertheless, in the height of the storm, his mom opted to seek a job as a domestic cleaner in a bid to support him through his studies. 

He described that period as a “tough, rocky, slippery journey, but thankfully God saw me through.” 

In 2012, Calvin graduated as the valedictorian of the Ministry’s Medical Laboratory Technician programme. He copped the best academic student and the best graduating student.

“This day I believe was the happiest day for my mom; she’s my hero; I credited my success to her,” Calvin said while adding that thereafter,  he would have had the privilege to work at the Government’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

“I was only 17-year-old and was the baby working under Dr. Collin Roach directorship. My time there was nothing less than awesome; I was able to gain much experience from the veterans. I enjoyed every day there while it lasted.” 

In 2014, Calvin decided to return and serve his region and was appointed to work at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The Medical Laboratory Technician for eight years stated that he is more involved in interacting directly with patients now. He added that by interacting with patients, it has made him value people more. 

“My job has taught me so many things, but one that stood out is that we must never assume or judge a person on their outward appearances. Many persons have inner battles, challenges, shortcomings that they do struggle with. But I’ve learnt to treat all patients with the same amount of affection, care, and respect that I would give a cane cutter as opposed to a lawyer. I’ve built some great friendships/relationships through my job.” 

Calvin’s advice to those who are considering to become a Medical Laboratory Technician is simple. He said;

“To those who may be considering a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician, you must know that any profession that deals with providing healthcare services require one to be empathetic, caring, compassionate, affectionate.”

He added, “You must have a zeal and passion to serve people. Foremost, you must be able to love people unconditionally. If you’re not the type of person like this, you will never find happiness, peace, comfort with your job. I do not boast, but I love helping people; I go out of my way to help. I can’t see someone in need and not attempt to help. I love my job, and this is simply because I love serving humanity.” 

In addition to his outstanding work in the medical field, Calvin has participated in several charitable works throughout Guyana. In 2018, he was selected as a youth ambassador to represent Guyana in New York at the 22nd National Youth Assembly. 

Besides, when Calvin is not in the lab, he is usually at home, helping the kids in the community with their school work. Calvin aspires to become a medical doctor one day, where he will be able to help those in need. He shared that his favourite quote is;

“Giving up is the birth of regrets – Dushanna Barker. I believe it doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach from one point to another. What matters most is that you reach.” 

To this end, he urged everyone to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols and to protect one’s mental health.