As the University of Guyana prepares to hold its 2024 Convocation ceremonies, two extraordinary women stand out among the graduates, reminding us that the pursuit of education has no expiration date. Jean Hanoman, in her mid-60s, will receive her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations; while Franka Thomas, a mother of four, who once dropped out of school, will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management. Their stories of persistence, grit and resilience remind us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams, no matter the hurdles we face.
Jean and Franka have both defied societal expectations, overcome personal challenges, and emerged as symbols of triumph for anyone who has ever felt that life’s circumstances might prevent them from reaching their goals. Their journeys show us that education is not a privilege reserved for the young, nor is it a path meant for those whose lives follow a predictable course. Rather, it is a powerful force for personal growth and social transformation, and is available to anyone with the courage to embrace it.
Jean Hanoman’s decision to pursue a degree later in life was met with skepticism and doubt. “Are you mad? At your age?” was the reaction she had often encountered. But Jean was undeterred. In a world where older adults are often viewed as past their prime, Jean’s achievement is a bold statement. She is a reminder that learning is not confined to youth, and education is not a race that must be completed within a certain timeframe. Her degree, earned in her mid-60s, is a reminder that age is no barrier to intellectual growth, personal fulfillment, and social contribution.
Franka Thomas’s journey was similarly challenging. Losing her mother at the age of two, dropping out of secondary school, and becoming a mother of four could have easily led her to abandon her dreams, yet Franka never gave up. One of the key elements of Jean and Franka’s success is the support they received along the way. Support networks underscore an important truth: that education is not a solitary pursuit; it thrives in environments where students uplift and encourage one another. The community and friendships that Jean and Franka built during their time at the University of Guyana were as crucial to their success as their individual perseverance.
At the heart of both women’s stories is resilience, the ability to rise above adversity, and the ability to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Jean’s return to education was not just about earning a degree; it was about reclaiming her sense of purpose, and challenging societal norms that suggest learning is only for the young. “We are defined by our ability to adapt, to persevere, and to rise above the limitations that society places upon us,” she says. This is a powerful reminder that we are not bound by the expectations others place on us.
Franka’s journey is equally inspiring. Despite immense personal loss and the demands of motherhood, she never lost sight of her goal. Her faith, coupled with the encouragement of her youngest son, kept her going when quitting seemed like the easier option.
Jean and Franka’s stories should challenge persons to rethink their perceptions of education and who it is for. They remind society that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited by age or circumstance. Whether a person is 20 or 60, a school dropout or a mother of four, education is a key that can unlock new doors and open possibilities that they may have once thought were beyond their reach.
As these women celebrate their achievements, society should take their stories to heart.
It’s never too late to pursue education.
