“I became a social worker because helping people has always been my passion,” Daciea Sullivan

Many people grind through work each day, and the only results they see comes in the form of their paycheck. But this is not the case for 31-year-old Daciea Sullivan.

Daciea Sullivan

Daciea is a social worker and would see the results of her hard work when she leaves one’s life better than how she first met it. But to understand this young lady’s success, you must first understand that her journey to where she is today was riddled with potholes.  

Daciea was born on the 12th of January,1989, at the Wismar Hospital to parents Clifton and Veronica Sullivan. She grew up with her four siblings in the community of Christianburg, Region Ten. According to Daciea, growing up in the mining town of Linden is one of her best memories. 

“My community contributed to my overall development. Where I came from was dominated by teachers; hence with regards to your homework and assignments, you were able to consult with them in any difficult areas. Further, everyone was family. We spent lots of time together, and the adults would supervise you despite not being your biological parents, which entitled you to be disciplined.” 

She added, “I remembered playing in the streets with my friends, childhood games such as freeze and melt, chiney, sal out, etc. Nevertheless, outside of that, most of my time was spent at church, Sunday school, youth group. I was actively involved in dancing, drama, and singing. These activities served as an anchor which kept me focused.” 

Daciea began her academic pursuit at the Christianburg Nursery, Christianburg Primary, and then to the Mackenzie High School.

Her road to becoming a social worker was not a paved one, nor was the ride a smooth one, but instead, it was a road laced with potholes. Nevertheless, she dodged, swerved, and conquered. In 2009, Daciea started the University of Guyana, but she was forced to take a year’s leave due to unforeseen circumstances. 

On the continuum, after returning, I propelled and maximize my potential whilst balancing a full-time job, a part-time job, and at the same time maintaining my grades. Thus, with the support of my family and friends, I was able to complete my studies.

Battered and bruised, the 31-year-old graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in November 2015. Further, in 2018, she was awarded a scholarship to read for a Diploma in General Psychology. 

Daciea relayed that she always had a knack for helping others, which led her into the field. In fact, she said that the ability to care, nurture, and showing empathy were characteristics demonstrated by her from a very tender age. 

I became a social worker because helping people has always been my passion. I always yearn to understand people and the reason for their observed behavior. One of the most important contributors to me becoming a social worker was that; I worked as a Phlebotomist. Hence during the delivery of that service, persons would divulge their problems, and all I could have done at that point was merely encourage them due to a lack of the requisite theoretical and practical skills to function in that capacity. Noting my little encouragement made a little impact.

Being a social worker for five years, Daciea shared some lessons learnt over the years in the profession: 

• Your attitude determines your altitude. 
• Be respectful to everyone you come into contact with.
• Always have a listening ear to hear both the loud and the silent cry for help.
• Be humble and teachable 
• Always demonstrate a non-judgemental attitude. 
• Appearance can deceive the eyes; hence it is important to observe and see beyond the façade or the person presented to you. 

This 31-year-old woman credited her success to the Almighty God, her parents, whom she said was instrumental in her development both spiritually and academically.

My teachers, especially Mr. Shawn Whittaker, who saw my true potential, refused to promote me to fourth form. My aunt Coretta Benjamin who has been my day one supporter, Persis Halley, my previous supervisors (MOH& GPHC), and lastly, my immediate family who stood by me during the late nights studying, etc., not forgetting my friends who were there on my roughest day. Overall, I am thankful for every person I would have met because, in their own little way, they would have helped me to be successful.

Daciea aspires to become a clinical psychologist so that she can lend support in the fight against mental illness. She envisions herself as a change agent who will help persons with a mental illness regain equilibrium within their lives. 

The only limit to success is the limit you put on yourself. If you fail, get up, dust off, review your strategies, and start over.

On the other hand, she hopes to do research about suicide in Guyana to understand better the dynamics and how best we can formulate strategies and policies that will help curb this social issue.