From Adversity in Venezuela to Achievement in Guyana: Shaneeza Persaud’s Story of Resilience and Success

Born in Venezuela to a Guyanese father and Venezuelan mother, Shaneeza Persaud is the University of Guyana 2024 Valedictorian.

Shaneeza’s story is a modern narrative that embodies the unique cultural blend of Guyana and Venezuela. It illustrates how personal backgrounds can enrich one’s perspective and drive ambition. Her experiences navigating life as a student with mixed cultural background have not only strengthened her resolve but also fueled her desire to bridge the gap between the two nations as she looks toward a future in marketing.

Shaneeza Persaud, Valedictorian

“This accomplishment is not just mine; it signifies the dreams and aspirations of many young individuals who face barriers,” she explained. Shaneeza aims to be a voice for those who may feel marginalized or overlooked, helping them find their own paths to success. She believes that the diversity she embodies can be a source of inspiration and motivation for others in similar situations.

Shaneeza’s path to completing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at UG’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) was anything but smooth. Initially, she faced the daunting task of adapting to a new country after many years of being away. 

University of Guyana Campus. 

Her early university days were spent online due to the pandemic, but when she finally moved to Guyana in 2023, she encountered a new wave of challenges. Living alone for the first time, she had to manage household responsibilities, find her way around a new environment, and tackle a demanding academic workload. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Believing in myself, believing I could handle the stress and pressure was something I struggled with during the entire four years of my degree.”

As she prepares to enter the professional world, Shaneeza is eager to create marketing strategies that resonate with both Guyanese and Venezuelan communities, fostering connections that promote cultural understanding and economic growth. “I want to advocate for local businesses and showcase the richness of our cultures through effective marketing narratives. Our stories deserve to be told,” she asserted with determination.

The valedictorian also credits the support of her family and friends, despite them being physically distant, remained close in spirit. 

“The sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to attend university in Guyana…there will never be enough words to showcase my gratitude to them. This achievement is for them. If there were ever moments when I wanted to give up, my parents would always come to mind, leading me to start over with more vigour and renewed courage. From my days of logging into class on my mom’s laptop back in Venezuela to leaning on them from afar while I was in Guyana, I owe this milestone to them,” she proudly said.

She added that her friends in Guyana became her “family away from home,” providing companionship, understanding, and a sense of belonging during challenging times. Additionally, she praised the valuable support provided by faculty and admin staff at the University of Guyana.

Shaneeza expressed that she would have liked to be in Guyana to accept the highly coveted prize in person; however, she is already enrolled in a language programme to perfect her Mandarin in China—a step she believes will broaden her horizons in both her personal and professional life.

Adapted from University of Guyana News & Updates