BY COURDEL JONES – About seven years ago, Dianna Persaud faced a crossroads in her life when she dropped out of high school at the tender age of 15.
However, she seized the opportunity to turn her life around and, today, stands as one of only two Guyanese women who have been awarded a prestigious scholarship to pursue oil and gas studies at the University of Massachusetts, USA, courtesy of Noble Corporations.
In an inspiring interview with The Waterfalls, Dianna Persaud shared her remarkable journey and expressed her hope that her story would offer encouragement to others facing similar challenges. She extended heartfelt gratitude to those who played a pivotal role in her transformation.
“To the teachers of my alma mater, Camille’s Academy Inc, especially the CEO, Ms. Camille Deokie Gorakh, who did not hesitate to give me a second chance after I dropped out of school for two years, none of this would have been possible without them,” said the scholarship recipient.
Persaud’s journey has been nothing short of challenging, but her perseverance and determination have led her to incredible heights. Looking at her life today, one would never guess that she was once a struggling teenager trying to find her place in the world. Due to financial difficulties, she made the difficult decision to leave school early and entered into a common-law union to support her family.
“My family was struggling, and my parents believed that marrying the man I was with would provide me with a better life,” Persaud explained. However, she soon realized that this hope was unfounded. “He couldn’t give me a better life, so I returned home to my parents,” she added, but by then, she had aged out of the traditional school system.
Despite being older than the average high school student, Dianna Persaud’s determination and her mother’s connection to Camille’s Academy Inc, where she worked as a seamstress, opened a door for her. The CEO, Ms. Camille, allowed her to attend classes as part of the payment, offering her a second chance to complete her high school education.
Recalling those transformative years, Persaud emphasized Ms. Camille’s unwavering support and inspiration. “I remember when I returned to school; she didn’t look at me as if I was older than the others. She didn’t judge me; she welcomed me with open arms and helped me grow.”
Ms. Camille played a pivotal role in Persaud’s academic journey, refusing to let her give up on writing all Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. Thanks to this guidance, Persaud achieved remarkable success, becoming the 2017 valedictorian of Camille’s Academy Inc. after excelling in sixteen subjects in the CSEC exams.
“She let me believe that I can do it and refused to allow me to do what I wanted to do. I never regret letting her play that part in my life; I’ll forever be grateful to her. I’m also grateful for the opportunity I was given to become the person I am today,” Persaud said with deep appreciation.
Today, Dianna Persaud, along with her fellow awardee, Kavita Singh, stands as one of the only two Guyanese individuals to earn scholarships to pursue higher education at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a prestigious public university located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Noble Corporation, a critical drilling company for Exxon’s Guyana operations, has generously awarded these two young talents fully paid four-year scholarships, which will enable them to earn bachelor’s degrees in Maritime Transportation.
The selection process for this prestigious scholarship was highly competitive, with over a hundred applicants vying for the opportunity. To secure their spots, candidates had to meet specific qualifications and submit compelling essays outlining the purpose of their candidacy.
As a result of this scholarship, Persaud and Singh will have the incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience as interns next summer with the Noble Corporation, further enhancing their education and practical skills.
Earlier this year, Noble Corporation announced four fully paid scholarships for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Maritime Transportation or Maritime Engineering. In addition to covering tuition fees, the award extends to providing comprehensive support, including room and board, books, and round-trip travel to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Upon graduation, these talented individuals will join the Noble team, bringing their expertise and knowledge back to serve Guyana.
Dianna Persaud’s remarkable journey from high school dropout to scholarship recipient serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of mentors and institutions like Camille’s Academy Inc. Her story is a beacon of hope for others facing adversity, proving that with determination and the right support, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
