– Tain Campus valedictorian
Savitree Budram is nothing short of genius. The bubbly 36-year-old mother of three was named valedictorian of the University of Guyana (UG), Tain Campus last month earning a 4.0 GPA, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Born and raised in Essequibo, Budram felt the pangs of death early in life, when her father passed away, leaving her mother to raise her and older sister. Growing up in a single parent family, Budram said she came to understand that education would be the only ticket out of poverty.
She attended the C. V. Nunes Primary School and after writing the then Common Entrance Examinations, was awarded a place at Queens College. “My mom could not afford to send me, so I was transferred to the Anna Regina Secondary school where I obtained my secondary education. During my teenage years, I developed a love for Mathematics and Science and aspired to have a career in the medical field, but due to financial constraints this was not possible.”
In January 2001, at just 16 years old, Budram joined the teaching profession and developed a love for the job. She said she recognised the need for academic and professional development and later enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) that same year.
The young Science teacher later started her family life. In 2014, she decided it was time to move up the ladder in the teaching profession and began reading for a degree in Mathematics. This was, however short lived.
“In 2016, I was involved in an accident which left me bed ridden for months and I was unsure whether I would walk again. I never lost hope and was thankful that I had a second chance in life. This became the principle of my existence and I vowed to never waste a day in my life.”
In 2017, Budram recommenced her studies at University of Guyana Berbice Campus, where she then read for a Bachelor Degree in Education Administration. During her years at UG, she said a major challenge was being able to maintain a balance between family life, work and studies.
“Being a wife and mom with studies at UG was very difficult. During that period, it was work during the day, classes in the afternoon. When I got home it was family time. That included preparing meals and ensuring that the children completed their school work as well and taking care of the home.,” she told this publication.
Fortunately, her husband was very supportive and learned to cook so he could assist.
“My study time was after everyone went to bed and that would go until 2 or 3 in the morning. Some nights it was no sleep. I also utilised free time between classes to do research in the library,”.
Like everyone else, Budram said she felt like giving up. She instead prayed for strength to continue.
Everything paid off in the end. The proud mother and wife was hosted by President Irfaan Ali last month, where she was presented with the President’s Medal for valedictorians.
Budram currently serves as a Senior Mistress at the Rosignol Secondary School. She said she is a very simple and humble individual who loves plants and computers. She values her family most and believes in the power of prayer.
Her advice to those currently studying or contemplating studies in the future is, “nothing in life comes easy. There will always be hurdles. What is important is to always be positive about life and work towards overcoming these hurdles. Age should not be a barrier to pursue your goals. So, if for some reason you cannot do it at an early age, don’t give up.”
