“Acquiring a university education was our main goal”

– sisters detail journey at UG

Twenty-eight-year-old Towanna Crandon-Primo and 26-year-old Kaleda Crandon, of Carmichael Street, Georgetown (where they grew up), are sisters. They are the first in their family to have acquired an education from the nation’s premier tertiary education- provider, the University of Guyana.

These siblings are on a mission to excel in their respective career paths. They explained that they are fully cognisant of the fact that, in order to do so, they would need to equip themselves with the skills needed to be the best at what they do. They bravely took on the challenge, and enrolled at the University of Guyana a few years ago. They have now completed that journey, and, in a matter of days, will be “walking” the virtual graduation stage when the University hosts its upcoming series of virtual ceremonies, beginning February 4.
Towanna Crandon-Primo, who currently serves as an Immigration officer, will be graduating from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) with a Diploma in Public Management, while her younger sister Kaleda Crandon will be graduating with a Degree in Marketing.
According to Towanna, one of her biggest challenges was readjusting to studying, as she had taken some time after completing high school to commence her university studies. “My biggest challenge was getting back into study mode after 9 years. I had to get accustomed to studying and attending classes. I also had to cope with online learning when it first started because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, my journey was a little bit of fun mixed with a lot of sleepless nights. However, I will not lie, it was worth it in the end.”
She added: “I started a schedule for studying. This helped me to keep track of what I needed to do for my different courses. I got accustomed to online classes, and it would actually be my first choice now if I had to choose between that and face-to-face learning.”
The proud graduand has expressed sincere gratitude to her immediate family members, especially her husband. “My main motivation was the support from my husband and my job as an Immigration officer. I wanted to push myself academically to learn new things. My husband was also by my side, giving me the extra-push I needed,” she reflected.
Towanna’s words of wisdom to the younger generation are: “It will be challenging, but keep pushing and do not give up. It will be worth it in the long run, and you will graduate feeling proud of yourself, because it is not an easy road.”
Meanwhile, Towanna’s sibling Kaleda Crandon, who will be graduating with a degree in Marketing, noted that her parents motivated her to further her education. “My parents never had the opportunity to complete secondary school and further their education, so this was one of my major motivations,” she explained.
Asked how UG has shaped her life, a smiling Kaleda replied: “Here I am, after 4 years of vigorous studies, with a degree in Marketing. The University has changed my way of thinking, and helped me to become a better critical thinker.”
One of Kaleda’s biggest challenges was completing her studies and balancing a full-time job. “It was challenging having to work and attend the University of Guyana, because having to focus on projects at work and staying up late to catch up on studies and assignments was a challenge for me,” the proud graduand explained.
In offering words of advice to other students, Kaleda urged: “Do not underestimate the study materials. Always try to keep ahead of your studies.”
A record number of attendees are expected this year, since, due to the online nature of the event, there will be no limit to the number of invitees who can join the proceedings.
Members of the public are invited to view this year’s ceremonies on the University of Guyana’s Facebook page @uniofguyana. (UG feature)