Teresa Sookrah – making her Guyanese parents proud in Canada

By Ravendra Madholall –

Twenty-two year old Teresa Sookrah is still aiming high and wants to further her education after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce with a Specialization in Human Resources Management at the Ryerson University last October.
Having also completed a Certificate in Proficiency of French, Sookrah made her Guyanese parents extremely proud and was satisfied with her performances during her time at the University based in the heart of Toronto.
Sookrah said she believes that education is the key to success and since the commencement of her studies at Ryerson, she always sought to make a big impression.

In addition to her achievements at Ryerson, Sookrah completed an exchange programme with a university in Lille, France at the IESEG School of Management for one semester during January to May 2012.
“I am now 22 years old and I’m applying for further education; I will likely be going back to school in the Fall depending on the programmes that I choose,” Sookrah told Caribbean Times International recently.
Both of her parents were born in Guyana and while her dad migrated to Canada in 1980, her mother did not come until 1988. They too have since taken up studies in Canada which have enabled them to start their own business.
“My dad attended post-secondary educational studies at Seneca College; my parents are both business owners, which influenced my choice of programme to study at the bachelor level,” the younger Sookrah said.
Her older brother, Richard is a graduate of York University where he studied Sociology and Philosophy while her younger sister Anita, is set to return to school in the Fall.
Since her graduation, Sookrah said she is focused on improving her skills rather than seeking employment.
“I haven’t done much job hunting since I graduated, or even before I graduated, because I’ve been focusing more on learning about myself and what I gained through travelling; I’ve also been assisting my mom with her business.However, I’m a very motivated individual who takes pride in my confidence and out-going personality. I know that when I’m certain about what I want, I will get it. And, I think everybody is also capable of this. Through my studies, I gained a lot and I do feel that I am prepared to work in my field; however, it’s not something that is especially intriguing to me right now,” Sookrah indicated.
She pointed out that the education system in Canada is encouraging having now equipped herself from a reputable institution.
“I think the Canadian educational system is good but it isn’t without flaw. I think that I wasn’t prepared enough for university as I should have been. However, I think this could have changed if I had more guidance…There is a big change that comes from going to secondary school and to post secondary school. Although it had its challenges, I find that my programme was excellent and I was supported through my years with excellent professors,” Sookrah related.
Apart from her studies, Sookrah has also been active in the sport arena.
“My favourite sport has always been volleyball but I’ve also played soccer, tennis, basketball, softball, and participated in skating and swimming; you have to participate in sport activities while studying as it helps to boost your confidence and gives the necessary recreation at times,” she noted.