New tongue, new chapter

– Guyanese student heads to China for medical studies

When the tongue becomes used to its native language, for many suddenly learning a new language – especially Chinese – can seem like a very steep mountain to climb. To make it even harder, doing so while studying can be overwhelming.

Yet, for Makena Alleyne, this challenge was not a stumbling block but a stepping stone she was determined to overcome.
Alleyne is one of six outstanding medical students from Guyana’s awarded Chinese Government Scholarships.
The scholarships, focusing on healthcare and medical services, were made possible through the longstanding relationship between Guyana and China, ensuring Guyanese students have access to international educational opportunities.
For Makena, ‘excitement’ hardly seems like a big enough word to describe this accomplishment.
In just a few weeks, the 20-year-old will board a plane bound for China, beginning a new chapter of her life – one that seemed like a faraway dream not so long ago.
This publication caught up with the young aspiring doctor, who shared the journey that led to this momentous occasion.
“I am very excited. Very, very excited. I’m so happy to have this opportunity – an amazing opportunity – to study in China,” she stated.
However, before the excitement came months of uncertainty. Alleyne graduated last July with a degree in biology from the University of Guyana and was left wondering what would come next.
The breakthrough came unexpectedly when a lecturer mentioned that China offers full scholarships to study medicine.
“That’s when everything started,” she explained. “The research began last July – exactly one year ago – and now here we are, one year later, and I’m leaving for China.”
A childhood dream takes shape.
According to Alleyne, her journey is rooted in her earliest years. Growing up in the Bahamas, she was surrounded by her mother’s constant encouragement.
“My mom always told me, ‘You’re going to get a scholarship to go somewhere’,” she recalled. “From about three or four years old, walking to school, that’s what she would say. I never wanted to be a doctor at first, but that dream of a scholarship stuck with me. Seventeen years later, it happened. Maybe not China at first – but now, I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.”
As she prepares to begin medical studies in one of the world’s most futuristic nations, Alleyne admits the road ahead won’t be easy. Her first year will be dedicated entirely to mastering the Chinese language before she transfers to Peking University to begin her medical courses.
“The language will definitely be the biggest challenge,” she said. “People say it’s incredibly difficult, but I’m ready. I’ve already started studying Chinese here – I’m at HSK3 now – so I feel like I have a good foundation.”
Makena is also no stranger to setbacks. After initially applying to medical school and being turned away because spaces were full, she chose to complete her biology degree while keeping her eyes on the bigger picture.
“You know, I wanted to do medicine at first,” she admitted. “But when I didn’t get in, I said, ‘Let me just finish this four-year degree and see what comes after’. And look where I’m going now. “China is very futuristic, very much in the future,” she said. “It will be a big jump, but that’s what I’m excited to see. This has always been what I’ve wanted. Now it’s happening.”

Chinese scholarships
Her fellow awardees are Keron Williams, Yudesh Persaud, Melissa Mickle, Robert Lee, and Serena Rambarran.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana H E Yang Yang reflected on the benefits of this long-term partnership.
“Over the years, it has become a flagship initiative in China’s international educational and cultural cooperation. In recent years, nearly 100 Guyanese students have benefited from these programmes. Through these platforms, many Guyanese have pursued their studies at leading Chinese universities,” the Ambassador stated.