At just 16, Mahesa Boodhoo of Queen’s College has been named the Most Outstanding Performer in the Caribbean at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination after sitting 20 subjects.
Mahesa Boodhoo of Queen’s College
While she earned 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two, she insists the accolade was never the goal.
Being the top performer wasn’t my aim. I wanted to be as well-rounded as possible.
A GOAL OF BREADTH, NOT TROPHIES
A self-described “girl with many interests,” Boodhoo pursued a sweeping subject mix to stretch herself across sciences, humanities and the arts.
Resources were a constraint. She says she would have attempted even more subjects if the opportunity allowed, but her baseline ambition was simple: “pass all my subjects, genuinely.”
THE HARDEST SUBJECT? VISUAL ARTS
Surprisingly, the Visual Arts proved her steepest climb.
You can memorise math or chemistry. But art is hours and hours of work, redos, and critique.
There was no Easter break: two straight weeks at school finishing portfolios, many nights up to 3 a.m. Yet, she credits her art teacher’s relentless support and a class culture of pushing together for helping her secure top results.
She was committed. Many of my friends merited because of that teacher.
HER ADVICE TO FIFTH FORMERS: START EARLY, DON’T OVERLOAD
This scholar resists one-size-fits-all “study hacks.”
Everyone learns differently. My brain runs at a hundred miles an hour; others need to write notes and cement ideas. What’s universal is this: don’t overwhelm yourself. With SBAs and labs, it’s hard to study in between, so prioritise early.
WHAT’S NEXT: PREFECT, CAPE, AND AN OXFORD DREAM
Now a sixth-form prefect, this 16-year-old is pursuing CAPE with the aim of an Associate’s Degree in Natural Sciences (Option 1), driven by a long-standing passion for chemistry and physics.
She hopes to study Natural Sciences at Oxford University in the UK, specialising in chemistry or physics.
GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
Boodhoo is quick to share the spotlight. She saluted fellow QC standouts Samara Munro (sciences) and Raquel London (humanities), and praised Amisha Rambaran for meriting extensively for Guyana.
She also thanked her immediate family, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, friends, and her wider community for ensuring she had the resources and encouragement to chase a heavy subject load.
It’s our collective accomplishment. I’m really grateful to be in a position where I have that support.
