During Secondary School most people would have an intended career and shape their studies in that path but for Begum Shafrana Baksh she needed to be well rounded so she can function in any field. It is for that very reason that she wrote 16 CSEC subjects and secured 15 Grade Ones and a Grade 2.
Begum was named as number 12 amongst the country’s top 20 at this year CSEC Examinations. For that, the Anna Regina Secondary student, said she is elated and that she would not have been there without the support of her teachers, parents and grandparents.
She attained Grade 1 passes in EDPM, English B, Mathematics, Office Administration, Social Studies, Economics, Human and Social Biology, Integrated Science, Caribbean History, Principles of Business, Geography, Agricultural Science, Physical Education and Sport, Information Technology, English A; and a Grade 2 in Spanish.
The 17-year-old lives with her mother and maternal grandparents in Sparta Village along the Essequibo Coast. Her mother and father separated almost three years ago and she explains that this would have some amount of impact on her.
Begum attended Fisher Primary School and was valedictorian when she graduated. Throughout school, she was a high flier and said that there was not much pressure on her to perform exceptionally well but she always aimed for the best.
“Growing up I struggled a bit because you know my parents were going through a rough divorce and they weren’t always on terms but I managed. From Form 1 to 3 was kind of okay and so on. As I came down to Form 3 and the divorce, it was a bit too hectic and my grandparents were always there for us. They were supporting me and although these things were happening they always assured me that it will be fine and even my father was there. It was difficult but as time passed it didn’t bother me that much.”
She said that coming down to CSEC time that was when the pressure began mounting since her stream in school only offered 10 subjects and she wanted more. So she attended a lot of “off timetable” classes and that took up much of her free time. She explains that she would attend classes every day of the week and sometimes until 20:00h.
“I didn’t have much time to myself but I had the support and I just went for it. I started off with just a few subjects and it kept adding on. I want to be well rounded and I want to be so many things that I feel that I needed me to be prepared for everything,” Begum said.
Begum initially wanted to get into Law but now she has her eyes set on the Marketing world. For now, she is taking a break from studying and will be helping her sister prepare for CSEC. After that, the duo would begin their university studies. (Times Sunday Magazine)
