Hailing from Vryheid, located on the western bank of the Canje River, 23-year-old Nareema Alli aims to leave her mark on the agricultural sector.
Nareema Alli
Last year, she graduated from the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus as the best graduating agricultural student. She attained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.7. But one might ask, who is Nareema?
CHILDHOOD ADVENTURES IN VRYHEID
Dubbed a countryside girl, Nareema is the third of four sisters. She recounted that her childhood days were spent in the fruit trees or catching crabs or fish from the trenches for fun.
I would have been considered a tomboy then since I was always in trouble. I enjoyed playing outdoors mostly.
Her academic journey commenced at the Lochaber Primary School, a small school located in the West Canje District, and continued at Therese’s Primary School.
She recounted that after starting primary school, she discovered the National Library, which soon became her escape from the real world.
I spent my lunch break there reading as much as I could, then borrowing a book to take home. Every day, I would borrow a new novel. Sometimes, my mother would get upset because I was glued to the pages of Goosebumps, Nancy Drew, Lizzy McGuire, or other books that I carried home.
After completing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), this Berbice resident attained 507 marks. She earned a place at St. Joseph High School and was awarded a position at President’s College.
When I started high school, my hobby was tending to the kitchen garden. I did everything, from planting seedlings, transplanting, watering, harvesting, land preparation…everything!
Nareema won the ‘Best Speaker award’ three times at the Speakers Regional and National Debate Competition 2023.
In 2012, Nareema graduated as the 7th top student in primary school. At CSEC, she attained 10 subjects and copped the Best Science Student award. In 2019, Nareema embarked on a new chapter, commencing her degree in Agriculture at UGBC.
Agriculture was something that I always wanted to pursue. Growing up in a small rural community is probably one of the contributing factors. I spent a lot of days tending to plants in a kitchen garden with my parents, so it’s something I developed a love for. Being able to grow and harvest your own food is a fulfilling feeling.
Her commitment and dedication were evident as she graduated in 2023 with a remarkable GPA of 3.7, earning her a pass with Distinction. Notably, she was named the best-graduating student in her class.
Nareema in the field as a reporter.
BALANCING WORK AND STUDIES
Her academic prowess was not without its challenges. As she pursued her degree, she was employed as a reporter at Channel 8 News – a demanding job.
I realizes after starting the programme that I needed to manage my time better. I made a timetable detailing and planning my week every Sunday, and I stuck with it. That’s how I was able to get through. My classes were always a priority, and the Agri programme was a full-time one. So, it meant I didn’t work the regular 8 am-4 pm. I would be at the studio as early as 7 am on weekdays, sometimes returning from a class at 4 pm and staying till about 6:30 pm just to complete reports. On weekends, I would spend all day sometimes at the studio to complete tasks that had to be done. It was tiring, but I was determined that I could do it. It was a sacrifice that I thought was necessary in achieving my ultimate goal, and I am proud that I was able to complete that stage so I can move on to something else.
OVERCOMING POWER WOES
Living in Berbice, Nareema experienced the daily power challenges that often disrupted online classes and assignments.
Nareema collected an award from Region Six Police for excellence in journalism.
Despite facing the frustrations of unexpected blackouts during presentations and exams, she persevered, reflecting on those moments with a sense of humor and gratitude that she successfully navigated through them.
Imagine presenting to an online class and 5 minutes into the presentation, you realized the zoom call dropped or your mic was off. Or, you’re taking an online examination, and your laptop freezes. Or, better, blackout! I didn’t have much of a choice but to fret like others. I am just grateful that I am finished.
PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS
Graduating as the top student in the agriculture programme left this 23-year-old speechless but filled with pride. She acknowledges the invaluable support from her classmates, especially Odinga, Shanaz, and Basdeo. She noted that they contributed to her success by assisting her with assignments, exam preparation, and presentations.
Nareema at graduation last year.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Currently taking a well-deserved break, Nareema looks forward to future endeavours, including pursuing a doctorate.
I will be working towards achieving a doctorate in the years to come because I love how Dr. Alli sounds. I am grateful to my family and all others for their support. Your words of encouragement and belief in me were a driving force I needed to persevere on the hard days. Thank you all.
