At just 16 years old, Anita Baker faced a tough reality. After writing her CSEC exams, she chose to forgo higher education to join the workforce and help her parents provide for her younger siblings. University was a dream she tucked away, knowing her family couldn’t afford the fees.
Fast forward to 2019, Anita found herself unemployed and unsure of her next steps. Encouraged by her partner at the time, who reminded her of her desire to further her education, Anita decided to enroll at the University of Guyana. Initially hesitant, she signed up on the last day of extended registration. Just as she began pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, further straining her finances.
Determined to continue, Anita turned to student loans and took up cosmetology to fund her studies after her scholarship application was denied. She worked tirelessly, balancing her education and her hustle, and in 2023, she graduated with her degree. But Anita’s story didn’t end there.
Eager to make an even greater impact, she enrolled in a Master’s program in Strategic Development. Once again, she applied for a scholarship and faced rejection. Yet, Anita forged ahead, prepared to self-fund her education. Life, however, threw her a bittersweet twist.
After experiencing the heartbreak of five failed pregnancies, Anita learned she was expecting again. The joy was met with immediate complications, and doctors advised her to terminate the pregnancy, citing serious health risks, especially with her commitment to completing her studies. But Anita refused to choose between her dreams and her baby.
“I believe I can have it all,” she said. And so, she fought.
For six long months, Anita endured severe physical pain, frequent hospital visits, and even bed rest, all while balancing the demands of her Master’s program. Her days were marked by tears—tears of fear, pain, and determination. She researched, wrote assignments, and delivered virtual presentations, often while lying in bed. She missed some deadlines and faced moments of doubt, but she never gave up.
In the end, Anita at 27 years old defied the odds. She welcomed a healthy baby and graduated with her Master’s degree two weeks ago. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Was it easy? Absolutely not. Was it possible? Definitely!”
Anita’s story is one of resilience and relentless determination. From a young girl who believed her dream of higher education was out of reach, she is now a woman with two degrees—a testament to the fact that dead dreams can come alive.
Her message to others, especially young women, is clear: “Delays are not denials, and interruptions should never lead to demotivation. The challenges will come, but the journey must continue. Most importantly, choose your partner and community wisely. You cannot do life alone, nor can you do it with loafers.”
Anita Baker’s journey is proof that with faith, determination, and the right support, anything is possible.
