Growing up in Santa Rosa, a remote Indigenous community in Moruca, Region One, Brayon Hosey faced obstacles that many would consider insurmountable. Limited access to higher education, financial hardships, and scarce job opportunities created a challenging environment. But Brayon held onto a dream that seemed beyond reach for many in his community—attending the University of Guyana (UG).
“I wrote 11 subjects and passed 10, but people told me I wouldn’t get into UG because I got a Grade 4 in Mathematics. I started to believe them, and it almost affected my chance to attend UG until a kind woman from UG’s Admissions Office provided the guidance I needed to enter my programme,” Brayon shared.
Now, four years later, Brayon is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management. In November, he will proudly walk the stage at UG’s 2024 graduation ceremony, a milestone he attributes to his relentless determination and the unwavering support of his mother.
Brayon grew up as one of nine children raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic helper to provide for her family. Despite their financial struggles, his mother never wavered in her commitment to education, ensuring that all her children attended school. “Whatever little my mom had, she made it work,” Brayon said, reflecting on her strength and resourcefulness.
Hosey preparing a meal.
A turning point in Brayon’s journey came when his mother met Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe during an outreach in Moruca. Inspired by Brayon’s dream of attending university, Garrido-Lowe took immediate action. “She came to our house that same night, and I told her about my dream to attend UG. The next day, she called and said, ‘Pack your things.’ She brought me to Georgetown, and I stayed at the Hinterland Scholarship Student’s Dormitory, ready to start this new chapter,” Brayon recalled.
But the road to success wasn’t smooth. After starting his studies in 2019, Brayon was forced to withdraw due to an issue with his scholarship application. Undeterred, he reapplied the following year and was finally able to begin his journey. Even then, adjusting to university life came with its own set of challenges. “The first year was lonely; I struggled to make friends,” Brayon admitted. “But in my second year, I found other Indigenous students. We formed a group, studied together, and helped each other. That sense of community made all the difference.”
Brayon Hosey and his grandmother.
Throughout his journey, Brayon’s mother remained his biggest source of support. “While I was in university, my mother kept calling, checking in, and telling me to keep going. Knowing she believed in me was all I needed,” Brayon said. After every exam, he would send her his grades, and each achievement brought joy to both of them. “When I told her I would be graduating with Credit, she cried. It was such an emotional moment for both of us…this is a huge accomplishment for my family,” he shared with pride.
Brayon’s journey has already begun to inspire others, starting with his own family. His older sister is now attending the University of Guyana Berbice Campus, following in his footsteps. “I’m the first person in my family to go to university, and I told my sister that we’re in a great position to achieve what no one in our family has done before—and now she’s here too,” Brayon said.
As Brayon prepares to graduate, he hopes his story will encourage other Indigenous students to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they face. “You don’t have to come to Georgetown with the mindset of renting a place. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs offers accommodation, and there are scholarships available to support your studies,” he explained. His message to others is clear: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. I’m living proof that you can.”
Looking ahead, Brayon has aspirations of entering politics, despite those who say he’s too young. But just as he ignored the doubters before, he remains undeterred. “It doesn’t matter what others think. I have goals to achieve, and I won’t let anything stand in my way.”
Reflecting on his experience, Brayon is filled with gratitude not only for the education he received but for the personal growth that came with it. “This experience taught me so much—not just about academics but about life and resilience,” he said.
Brayon Hosey’s journey from a small Indigenous village to the graduation stage at the University of Guyana is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and the unwavering belief that, against all odds, dreams can be achieved.
