At 26 years old, Khushal Singh has not just etched his name in the annals of academic excellence but has emerged as the shining star of the University of Guyana’s 2023 graduating class.
His journey, culminating in a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management with a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0, captured not only the President’s Medal for the Best Graduating Bachelor’s Degree Student but also the Prime Minister’s Medal for the Best Graduating Student in Public Management.
Khushal Singh
Hailing from Enterprise, on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) with humble beginnings, Singh, the second of three siblings, attended Enterprise Primary School and pursued his secondary education at Bishop’s High in Georgetown.
My family understands the value of education and always kept pushing me to do the best I can even though I was faced with some challenges.
This 26-year-old Enterprise resident’s achievement is not only a testament to his academic prowess but also a display of sheer determination and relentless hard work.
He managed to complete his degree in three years, a feat that required additional courses, summer classes, and an intense schedule.
I had to pull additional courses and do summer courses. This meant lectures clashing, several tests in one day, and a greater amount of effort and work being required. With classes, assignments, work, social activities, and other commitments, it can be hard to balance everything.
According to Singh, an avid chess player, his academic journey was not smooth sailing as he faced challenges along the way.
I was determined to continue pushing myself and expanding my horizons. I was also motivated by the feeling of accomplishment. Every time I gained an ‘A,’ I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. This feeling kept me going and gave me the drive to continue pushing myself.
His determination to strive for excellence in every assessment, coupled with an unwavering pursuit of knowledge, underscores Singh’s commitment to his academic journey.
In his immediate reaction to the news that he was named this year’s valedictorian, Singh relayed that he was extremely happy that he copped the coveted prize.
I feel very happy, proud, and fortunate. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a sign that I have worked hard, achieved success, and earned the respect of my peers. It is a reminder of how far I have come and the potential I have to achieve even more. It is also a great opportunity to inspire others and show them what hard work can achieve.
In response to how he managed to achieve this level of success, he said:
I was able to overcome these challenges by being disciplined, consistent, and utilise goal setting. I had to prioritise lectures and tutorials and set short and long-term goals. This enabled me to keep track of remaining assessments and plan accordingly. Taking on so much in a short time requires you to be persistent and highly organised.
His marriage, just a year old, has not marked the end of his quest for knowledge.
Singh aspires to pursue higher education, aiming for a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate to equip himself with the skills needed to make a substantial impact on his community and country.
I aspire to develop myself academically with a master’s degree and a doctorate and serve in a capacity where I am able to positively influence policies as I believe these greatly shape the future of individuals, societies, and nations. Additionally, I aim at becoming a successful entrepreneur and creating fruitful businesses that will make a progressive impact on my nation.
I am committed to using my academic accomplishments to make a positive contribution to the world and ensure that everyone understands the profound opportunities that grows from education. I want to stay true to my values and remain passionate about the things I care about. I want to continue to learn and grow, to take risks, and to experience all of the wonderful things life has to offer.
To those contemplating their educational journey, Singh offered words of encouragement.
Take the leap. I would encourage anyone to pursue an education at the University of Guyana, as the institution is a springboard for achieving your dreams and a better life. The experiences will be life-changing, and the opportunities that will come will be endless. Have faith in yourself. I know there will be obstacles, but those too shall pass.
Expressing gratitude to his family, friends, university lecturers, and community members for their contributions to his success, Singh looks ahead with a vision to make a positive contribution to society.
