When Rajendranauth Deonarine reflects on the path that led him to being named the Best Graduating Student of the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus, he does so with the quiet humility and deep gratitude that define every part of his story. “I didn’t expect this, I just studied. When I got the call, it was a really good feeling,” he said with a modest smile.
Rajendranauth, who comes from #70 Village, Corentyne, known as Little Messiah, is deeply rooted in his community. He serves as an Assistant Master at the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, balancing his love for teaching with a dedication to learning. Now graduating with a Bachelor of Education Degree (Science) with a Concentration in Chemistry and a perfect 4.0 GPA, he describes his academic journey as one driven by passion and purpose.
“I love science, especially chemistry,” he explained. “On the chemistry side, I wanted that in-depth understanding of the concepts. On the education side, the EDU programme helped me develop the pedagogy, so I can deliver it better to the children,” he said, as he explains why he decided to study at the university of Guyana.
Though his academic performance was exceptional, the road was far from easy. His biggest challenge came in completing his research project. “The academic research was the most difficult,” he admitted. “That entire process is really tough. It was the first big research I ever did. My study was on the impact of multimedia technology on the mole concept,” he said.
During stressful moments, he turned to music, his personal place of escape.
“I play the drums,” he shared. “When I was having difficulties, I would just play my instrument and then go back to my work,” he said.
His experience at the Berbice Campus also shaped him in meaningful ways.
“All my science courses and most of what I had to do were face-to-face. I love the face-to-face. I prefer it over online,” he said.
Rajendranauth first acknowledges the foundation of his household, his wife, Naveena Ramlall. “To my wife, she is my go-to person. She is my rock. She encourages me. When I told her the news, she reacted way better than I did,” he said with a soft laugh.
He also expressed appreciation for his brother: “My brother is very supportive. He helped me financially whenever I needed something, even software to get my work done, he would purchase it for me.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support throughout his journey at the University of Guyana.
Among his academic and professional circles, he extends heartfelt thanks to his lecturers, classmates, and peers. “I must give thanks to all my lecturers because without them, this would not have been possible,” he affirmed. “Without the students of the Faculty of Education and Humanities and Faculty of Natural Sciences, I would not have been here,” he continued.
He also acknowledged close friends whose support made a difference. “Ajay Permaul is a true friend. If I had any technical issues, I would call him, and we would get it sorted. He is a Math major,” he said. He added that another friend, Shelieze Ibrahim, a teacher at the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School consistently believed in his potential.
“It’s like she saw I was going to get this. When I had just started studying at UG, she would tell them that I would be the best graduating student from UGBC. That really inspired me,” He said. He also acknowledged his lecturer, Mr. Adrian Srikishen, who was his Chemistry lecturer at UGBC’s Department of Natural Sciences, for his dedication to supporting his students and ensuring their success.
From his workplace, he extended gratitude to the Head Master, Imran Ally, and staff of the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School for standing behind him throughout his journey, and to his music teacher, Krishan Chaltitar, who nurtured his love for the drums.
For students beginning their own academic paths, Rajendranauth speaks with honesty and encouragement. “UG is not an easy experience,” he said. “You have to be very disciplined and very persistent with what you do. Just do your work and everything will come out okay,” he encourages.
He recognises the reality of students balancing work, family, and study. “Everyone is juggling everything, but be disciplined and persistent.” he noted.
His final words capture the heart of who he is: disciplined, humble, and compassionate. “Try to help as many people as possible. Let compassion and humility guide you, whether it is in the world of work or while pursuing your degree.”
Rajendranauth Deonarine’s story shows that achievement built on discipline, supported by love, and strengthened by humility, stands as an inspiration not only to the Berbice Campus but to every student who dares to dream.
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University of Guyana (UG) produced feature- The University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus hosted its Convocation on Saturday, December 6th at 15:00 hrs at the UGBC. The public is invited to view the ceremony live on the University’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uniofguyana (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana.)
