Defying odds to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, Iliana Edwards has become a role model for indigenous youths wishing to follow in her footsteps
Iliana Edwards, from Paruima village, Upper Mazaruni in Region Seven, attended Paruima Primary School before excelling in her examinations to earn a government scholarship to attend Central High School in Georgetown. In the capital city, Edwards lived with a guardian but although she received support she felt a sense of loss in her new environment.
“It was a challenged for me adapting to city life. I missed my family and friends; but I was determined to become a doctor and work hard to achieve that. I am thankful to my guardian Dr Stephens, a theologist, for her guidance,” a grateful 25-years-old Edwards expressed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.
After graduating with eight subjects at CSEC, Edwards worked for a year with USAID/Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention as a phlebotomist. Getting firsthand experience in the medical field would help her be more adept when studying medicine.
“I applied for a government scholarship to study general medicine in Cuba. I had always wanted to become a doctor since I was a child, and I was happy when I was accepted to study in Cuba. I studied there for seven years. I was 18 when I left [Guyana]. In Cuba it was challenging, especially being placed to work shifts. Long days and nights I had to endure, but I did. The doctors were tough with us but it paid off because it has helped me to work harder,” she recalled.
The doctor revealed that when she received her doctorate she was elated, and overwhelming emotions surged through her. The sacrifices she made were well worth it because she was able to accomplish what she had set out to do.
“What has encouraged me to be determined is looking at other Amerindian women who have achieved a lot despite challenges. When I collected my doctorate I felt a sense of relief that all my work for the past seven years paid off. I would like to thank the government of Guyana for giving me this opportunity, the government of Cuba for allowing me to pursue my dream, and my friends, family and my cousin Aneesa, who has always supported me. Now I can’t wait to serve my Guyanese people,” she declared.
Currently, Edwards said she is waiting to be placed at a hospital, which she hopes will happen soon. Specifically, she mentioned, she would like to work as a gynaecologist.
Looking back at her journey, Edwards recalled she received comments from persons who doubted her abilities because of her ethnic background. However, she used those criticisms as motivation to achieve her goals which she did expertly.
Although Edwards has been exposed to different cultures, her indigenous heritage was never forsaken. She admires the unity in her village and enjoys being part of its activities. Edwards speaks the Arekuna language although she is not fluent in it. Her mother, an Arekuna, and her father, an Akawaio, have always been her main supporters. She noted that they have repeatedly encouraged her to upkeep traditions, something she credits as her guide in becoming a doctor.
“I would encourage youths who want to pursue the same goals I did, to study and ignore comments. Also don’t get distracted. I saw how some students got easily distracted, but keeping focused is vital. What also helped me to be focused is my Christian background. My prayers and those from friends and family helped me also. I urge all indigenous youths to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams,” she encouraged.
