“I went through Hell and came back”

– UG graduate overcomes illiteracy at 15 to earn accountancy degree

From being a 15-year-old teenager who could not read or write to a graduate of the University of Guyana (UG) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, 45-year-old Rohanie Etwaru has rooted herself deeply in an array of skills, with her achievements now flourishing.
Sitting atop the high throne as a Chief Accountant at the Finance Ministry, a role she worked tirelessly to achieve, her journey to success was anything but smooth. She shared her inspiring story during a recent interview with this publication.
Etwaru, who grew up in a small rural community, revealed that she was unable to read or write at the age of 15.
“I started my life way behind where most people were. Back then, I didn’t think I could accomplish much because I didn’t even have the basic foundation,” she shared. In 2018, with a growing family coupled with a mounting desire to improve her life, Etwaru decided to take a bold academic step.
At the time, her youngest child was just one year old, and her two sons were aged four and eleven. Balancing a full-time job as a Chief Accountant, a bustling household, and the demands of university seemed impossible.
Amid her initial excitement, self-doubt loomed.
“It was here when I made the bold decision to enroll at the University of Guyana to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy,” she recalled.
“I had so many thoughts— ‘Am I going to manage all of this?’” she admitted. “But the situation pushed me. I wanted a better job and a brighter future for my family, and the only way to get that was with a degree.”
Being away from the academic space for quite some time, she relayed that she had to gradually find her groove within the UG. “It was like stepping into a new world. I had to find my comfort zone, but I eventually settled in and started doing well,” she said.
However, 2019 brought immense challenges. Her youngest daughter’s health demanded more of her attention.
“The strain took a toll on my health, forcing me to pause my studies for a year and a half…I fell sick, and the university told me I needed to take a break. It was the hardest decision, but I had to fix myself and be there for my family.”
This also panned out to be of great distress to her as she also had to take time off as depression loomed across her mind—having to juggle all these responsibilities.
She also recalled the struggle of managing necessities while attending university.
“There were times I was so hungry, my belly made sounds unknown to the natural ear,” she shared. “Thankfully, friends stepped in to help, sometimes buying food for me.”
Amid her struggles, a close friend encouraged her not to give up—this changed the course of her entire story.
“She told me, ‘Why do you want to quit? There are people out there facing the same challenges and pushing through—you can do it too.’ Those words stayed with me.” Taking her friend’s advice to heart, she resumed her studies, this time with a more manageable course load.
Instead of five subjects per semester, she did two or three. It took longer at times but she stayed focused, and eventually, she started making progress.
Despite the slower pace, new challenges arose, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted classes and exams online.
She’d rush from work, blow into the house like a hurricane, pound on the computer, and just try to keep up. It was a struggle, but she didn’t stop. As her final semester approached, Rohanie relied on faith to see her through.
“I prayed to God, ‘Please, let me finish and graduate in 2024.’ And He answered my prayer. I finished my last semester without any interruptions.” But as soon as she completed her exams, her health took another hit.
“I fell sick again, but I was determined to make it to graduation. On the day of the ceremony, I was strong enough to attend, and the very next day, my stomach gave out again. But I had made it—I was a graduate!”
Etwaru’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, and she has a powerful message for others facing obstacles in their education. “To women out there: education is so important. Yes, there will be challenges, but don’t give up. When we’re independent, we don’t have to depend on others or tolerate nonsense. We can stand tall and demand respect.”
She also advised young people to prioritise education over early commitments like marriage.
“Get your education first. When you’re independent, you’re strong, and you have alternatives. Don’t wait until later to try to fix what could have been done earlier.”

Looking ahead
Now holding her degree, Etwaru is already planning her next steps. “I’m starting my master’s degree next September. I’ve been through so much, but my journey has made me strong. I know I can handle whatever comes my way.”
Reflecting on her achievement, she expressed profound gratitude to her family, her children, her professors, and God.
“This journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and gave me something no one can take away—my education.”
“I went through hell and came back,” she said with a smile, “but now, I have my degree, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”