Resilience in the Lab and Life: The Inspiring Story of UG Graduate Carolann Correia

At just 23 years old, Carolann Correia has already distinguished herself as a university graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science, a small business owner, and a model and brand ambassador for several companies.

Vibrant, curious, and full of life, she describes herself as someone who constantly seeks to understand the “why” behind everything, a personality marked by high energy, warmth, and introspection. While she enjoys connecting with others, she also deeply values solitude, where she can recharge and reconnect with her inner self.

From a young age, Carolann had a passion for science and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the medical field. Although Medical Laboratory Science was not her first choice, her time in the program revealed a calling she did not anticipate. “Somewhere in my first year, I realised I might have been redirected for a reason,” she reflects.

As her studies progressed, she grew to love the discipline, the work, the purpose behind it, and the quiet yet critical role laboratory professionals play. “We don’t always get the recognition, but we are the ones behind the scenes producing the results that guide diagnoses and save lives,” she explains.

Her years at the University of Guyana shaped her profoundly. The institution demanded a new level of discipline, organization, and commitment, skills that strengthened her both academically and personally. But one of the most defining chapters of her university journey came during her second and third years, a period marked by heavy personal challenges that affected her academic performance. She was forced to reduce her course load, a decision that initially filled her with fear and self-doubt.

Yet, Carolann remained grounded in her purpose. Entering her fourth year, she took on all the courses she had previously dropped, alongside her full final-year workload and research project. It was an overwhelming period, one she describes as a time of intense prayer and reliance on faith. “Looking back, that year showed me my strength. It made me realise how resilient I really am,” she says.

Two lecturers; Ms. Ede Tyrell and Ms. Audrey Anderson, became my anchors during this season. They recognized when something was wrong and extended the support and compassion she needed to keep going. Their guidance reminded her that she was capable, deserving, and never alone in her journey.

Mental health was another significant hurdle during her time at UG. Managing academic pressure while navigating emotional and personal challenges became difficult. What ultimately helped her regain balance was a combination of prayer and therapy. “Therapy helped me understand myself better and rebuild into someone stronger,” she says. “The combination of prayer and therapy was exactly what I needed.”

Across her four years, Carolann developed essential soft skills, viz, multitasking, prioritising, time management, and maintaining composure under pressure. These abilities, she notes, prepared her not only for the workforce but also for future academic pursuits. She also learned the importance of understanding others’ struggles, especially in group environments, and recognising that mental health requires as much attention as physical health.

Looking back, she admits she would have taken her first year more seriously if she had known how unexpected life circumstances could affect later academic years.

To those following a similar path, her message is simple yet powerful: “Remember why you started. Through every challenge, hold on to that reason.” She encourages students to pray, seek guidance, and, when needed, pursue therapy as a tool for balance and healing.

Now, after four years as a full-time student, Carolann is eager to transition into a stable career. While she intends to continue in her field, she is particularly interested in exploring non-clinical avenues. “My degree doesn’t confine me to hospitals,” she asserts. She has also begun a certificate program in Foundations of Forensic Studies at the University of Guyana and is excited to explore how her laboratory skills can be applied within forensic practice.

Confident, driven, and resilient, Carolann Correia stands as a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the quiet power of those who work behind the scenes, making an impact that often goes unseen but never goes unfelt.