24-year-old Zawadi Collins hails from Catherina’s Lust Village on the West Coast of Berbice (Region 5). Her journey is that of resilience, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Growing up as the eldest of four children to Wilfred and Nadine Collins, Zawadi’s childhood dream was clear—to become a medical doctor, inspired by her uncle, Dr. Randell Collins. She fondly recalls hearing as a child that her uncle was going to Cuba to study medicine, and from that moment, she aspired to follow in his footsteps.
“I thought to myself, I must be like him when I grow up,” she shares. Her passion also grew from her desire to help people live healthier, better lives.
Her educational journey began at Lachmansingh and Woodley Park Primary schools, where she excelled in the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), securing a spot at Queen’s College. But her dream school had always been President’s College, and she fulfilled that dream, calling it home for seven years.
In 2018, Zawadi graduated as her school’s valedictorian, an honour that marked the start of her quest for a career in medicine. With a childhood dream still strong, she applied to the University of Guyana’s medical programme but faced an initial setback when her application was denied. Undeterred, Collins spent a year studying biology before reapplying—and this time, she was accepted.
One of Zawadi’s biggest challenges was managing time to study each course thoroughly. To stay on track, she created a study timetable and followed a strict schedule, tackling assignments and ward readings each evening before focusing on a designated course.
Her methods for retaining information included jotting notes, answering topic questions, and sharing knowledge with her friends. Practical skills required additional effort, which she honed through watching YouTube tutorials and practicing procedures with friends and family members.
Her journey at the University of Guyana was far from easy, often feeling like a bumpy road.
“Long, early-morning commutes from Berbice to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), late nights, and demanding study schedules were the norm. She later stayed in Georgetown with her uncle, which eased the burden somewhat, but the road remained challenging. There were times when I cried after exams or felt a little down,” Zawadi recalls.
However, these moments pushed her to work harder, and the friendships she formed became a source of strength for her. Collins and her friends found solace in small joys, like ice cream dates and group lunches, that helped them unwind, bond, and stay motivated.
Zawadi advices other students facing similar challenges: “Keep pushing and never give up on your dreams.” She encourages them to rest, recharge, and always remember their ultimate goal. For her, faith was an essential part of the journey. “You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you,” she says, “Nothing is too big for our God, so keep praying and trusting in Him.”
