Guyana Times journalist emerges top CPCE academic teacher

At just 22 years old, Raywattie “Sophie” Deonarine has already proven that dreams do come true—but only if you are willing to chase them with courage, faith, and unstoppable determination.
From a young age, Deonarine envisioned herself working in an air-conditioned office, dressed smartly and building a stable career. After leaving high school with an impressive 11 subjects—nine Grade Ones and two Grade Twos— she began applied for employment at various banks and financial institutions. But destiny had other plans.
When the office life she once dreamed of didn’t feel right, she didn’t give up but started over again.
With nothing but faith in herself, she launched a small business called Sophie’s Printing World. At first, business was slow, but she pressed on, driven by the belief that every great success starts small.
Then one day, she saw a vacancy at Guyana Times newspaper and applied. That one application changed her life forever. In 2021, she became a freelance journalist, doing what she loved most—telling stories that matter. Journalism, she realised had always been her hidden passion.
But Deonarine wasn’t done yet. She wanted to make an even greater impact, to inspire and guide others. In 2022, she applied to the Teaching Service Commission and began teaching at Aurora Secondary School. Soon after, she enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), where her real test began.

Balancing teaching, journalism, and studies was no easy feat. Sophie would leave school after a full day’s work, travel to evening classes at the Anna Regina campus, and return home late at night.
There were moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and struggle—but never surrender. “It was tough,” she recalls, “but I kept reminding myself of the life I wanted, and that kept me going.”
Two years later, on her graduation day in November 2024, Sophie’s dream became reality. As the results were read aloud, her heart raced. Then she heard it—her name, followed by the word Distinction. “I froze for a moment,” she said. “Then I smiled. I did it. Every late night, every sacrifice—it was all worth it.”
Still hungry for growth, she expanded her printing business to include handmade ribbon bouquets, combining creativity with entrepreneurship.
In September 2025, she was accepted into the University of Guyana to pursue a degree in Mathematics, while also studying Communication and Mass Media at Amity University of California.
Then came another life-changing moment—she was named Region Two’s Best Graduating Teacher for Academics. “When I received the message, I couldn’t believe it,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “I told myself, ‘Sophie, you wanted it—you got it.’”

Behind her success stands a circle of love and support—her mother, Lilwantie Jaigobin, her partner, Devindra Persaud, her lecturers, her Head of Centre Miss Navita Singh, and her aunt Reema Natram, who constantly reminded her that she could rise above any challenge.
Deonarine’s story is one of transformation—from a shy girl with uncertain dreams to a confident woman shaping her own destiny. Her message to others is simple yet profound:
“Never give up. Even if you didn’t shine in nursery, primary, or secondary school, you can still become everything you dream of. I wasn’t born successful—I worked for it. And so can you.”
Today, Sophie continues to balance her roles as a teacher, journalist, and entrepreneur, inspiring everyone she meets to believe that with faith, discipline, and a brave heart, anything is possible.