-UG 2017 Valedictorian
Elsie Harry is a proud Guyanese, a leader and a lover of people. During a recent interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Ms Harry took the opportunity to provide some insight into her life and academic success. “I believe in working
earnestly and honestly for the things that we want to achieve. I believe in the ability of Guyana’s human resource to lift her above her current challenges to become more productive and to return her to a leadership role in the region. It is for this reason that I continuously exert my energies toward activism, youth and community development. Each of us can make a difference- we only need to decide how,” she stated firmly. On her journey and experiences, Ms Harry was quick to share advice.
Times Sunday Times (TSM): What has the journey to success been like? What were your obstacles, sacrifices, rewards?
Ms. Harry: My journey to success is ongoing. I have reached certain milestones that I am proud of such as; completing my first Degree and being named University of Guyana Valedictorian 2017, winning several graduation awards inclusive of the Rashleigh Jackson Prize for the best graduating student with the Bachelor of Social Science Degree in International Relations and the Council of the University of Guyana Prize for the graduating student who has made the greatest contribution in other areas of University activities 2016-2017, being named a European Commission Peace Building Scholar and gaining sponsorship to the One Young World Conference 2017 and a 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for community service. These are essentially, the rewards for the obstacles that I have overcome and sacrifices that have been made.
The obstacles have included financial and health related trials. In those times I was thankful for my network of support. Also, I adopted a healthier lifestyle and obtained employment in my 3rd year of University with a purpose to maintain balance, so that I could have greater financial security without jeopardizing my academic performance.
The sacrifices included foregoing the things that I wanted to do, that seemed more fun at the time, for the things that I recognised were necessary. Rather than always going out with my friends or sleeping-in (I did this in moderation), I chose to dedicate time to reading, attending workshops and conferences and volunteering.
As you can tell, the sacrifices paid off and now, when I look at the rewards, I am motivated to keep making the necessary sacrifices to achieve other goals that I have set for myself.
TSM: Who were your motivators/role models?
Ms Harry: My motivators and role models are many. They are a mixture of adults and youth who I see doing positive things in Guyana and the world. I wish I could list the adults in particular, but I am convinced that they do not like the limelight. I am content to say that through work, volunteer activities and by way of introduction, I have met people who have taken a keen interest in my development. I refer to them as my mentors and I can call them at any time to receive advice, reading material and instructions for navigating the challenges that I face in my life. The youth that I follow and draw motivation from are those that continuously do positive things, great or small, in their specific areas of interest. Many of them I simply follow on social media. I love reading their stories and I drop them little lines of congratulations and encouragement, knowing that each of them simply doing what they do, encourages me to keep doing what I do.
TSM: Since graduation, what has been your journey like? future plans
Ms Harry : Immediately after graduation I spent time with my friends and loved ones. I thanked them for the role that they continue to play in my life. I travelled to spend time with family members and to complete some important tasks for my parents. While I was away from Guyana, I was able to do some media work inclusive of producing and hosting a radio programme and I learnt some valuable skills inclusive of editing audio content and website managing which I am able to use in my service to the NGO that I currently work with in Guyana. I host a television programme on HBTV Channel 9 called African Drums; it airs on Sundays at 8-9pm. I have been speaking at various events and offering my services mainly to youth to assist with their development.
My future plans include pursuing a Masters Degree in an area that I am convinced is necessary for Guyana’s development. I can talk more about this when it is settled. I plan to get married after my Masters programme is complete because I am in a long-term relationship and I do believe in the value of family and companionship. I will also continue to volunteer and to focus my efforts on more specific areas of national development.
TSM: What message would you send to young people aspiring to be like you?
Ms Harry: My message to the youth is, please don’t aspire to be like me. Rather, aspire to be the best version of yourself. You each have your unique abilities, interests and your own drive. There are things that you can do that I cannot and that is okay, because we are all needed for Guyana’s development. I am truly convinced that Guyana’s youth are exceptional and I want to implore you to make the decision to impact Guyana in a positive way. I’m leaving you with a snippet of my graduation speech and I hope that it inspires you, as I was inspired to write it:
Renaissance: Everyone, this is your wake up call, regardless of what office you sit in, sales clerk or politician, pastor or President, student or teacher; having your renaissance means being able to facilitate the renaissance of others. Be efficient, be courteous, be caring. Do not focus on ethnicity-focus on character. Respect women- we are important to Guyanese society and simply offer quality service because it serves our country. When you do better, your country does better. When you achieve your renaissance, your country will achieve its renaissance.
Graduates do not think that you have done your duty to this country by simply graduating with your Degrees and Diplomas. Everyone, do not fly out and abandon Guyana. I need you to dig deep within yourselves and figure out today, what you can do to accelerate your own renaissance. Those of you who sit passively by, while things unfold in Guyana that you are not proud of, stop it!
This is the rallying cry, this is my admonition to you-each of you can change the world; you only need to decide how! You are the bright faces that will eventually lead our country, hearts that will mend the holes in the fabric of our society, hands that will mold future generations into future leaders and feet that will tread into areas of divide and sew reconciliation into the hearts of the people. Everyone, this is YOUR renaissance; own it, and dare, to complete it!
Harry merged as the front runner amidst a group of about 2000 graduating students; she is the former president of the university’s International Affairs Association.
The young woman summed up her feelings as being “overwhelmed”, and went on to thank here well-wishers for their support throughout her journey of higher levels of academic and professional pursuits. She graduated with an astonishing grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and attained her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Faculty of Social Sciences.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
