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Last November Rawletta Tatyana Barrow successfully interviewed in a competitive process for the award of the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Scholarships for the Caribbean began in 1953.
21-year-old Rawletta said being the recipient of the prestigious scholarship is “truly a dream come true.”
Barbados Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason, who is also Chairman of the Caribbean Selection Committee, said the interview process was “exciting, yet compelling exercise,” which showed “the Caribbean is crammed with able, erudite, articulate, engaging, brilliant and passionate young people,” who are committed to regional development.
Rawletta attended Queen’s College before proceeding to the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, where she read for Law and graduated last June. At Oxford University she will be reading for the Bachelor’s in Civil Law.
October 15 was Rawletta’s first day among her ivy league colleagues in England. But even in the midst of such company she saw it fitting to honour her new journey by acknowledging those who have supported and lifted her up.
Taking to her social media page she wrote: “Today marks the formal beginning of my Oxford University journey. Currently reflecting with gratitude for all those who have contributed to my personal and academic journey thus far. Going forward, I’m praying for continued growth, a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of new, enriching experiences .”
And what does she propose to do with her new knowledge?
“My ultimate goal is to spark legislative and policy changes that will promote the empowerment of young people in Guyana and across the region through equitable access to education and resources, and inclusion in decision-making spaces. I believe that my time at the University of Oxford will help to shape and strengthen my advocacy, and will be instrumental in helping me to reach my fullest potential.”
Rawletta has plans to make Guyana and the Caribbean proud.
Apart from studies she has led an active life empowering fellow young people. As a Guyanese Alumni of the United States State Department’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors programme, she continues to play a role in mentoring those coming after her. The Youth Ambassador Programme is intended “to improve the interpersonal skills of young women and motivate them to be leaders and agents of change in their communities.”
Rawletta was part of the alumni group last August that designed and implemented Project Jumpstart 2.0, “Boosting Careers, Realising Goals, ” which is a career mentorship programme that has benefitted nearly 150 mentees, 70 plus mentors and 7 workshop facilitators coached the participants.
Rawletta Tatyana Barrow has her whole life ahead of her on a road paved with endless possibilities. Of certainty is, “Nevertheless She Persisted.” This assertive phrase, which is the banner on her social media page, is an apt reminder of who she is. (Source: internet)
