The University of Guyana strives to ensure that the critical support network needed for students’ and citizens’ success is provided to everyone who enters the university to further support their goals, dreams and aspirations.  The intention is also that every student would be equipped with the skills and knowledge that would enable them to cope well in an environment that is rapidly changing.

Rennita Bentick, 46 years old, is among the 2600 graduates of the Class of 2020/2021 who proudly walked the virtual graduation stage when the University hosted its series of graduation ceremonies in March 2022. The LaGrange West Bank Demerara resident graduated with a BSc. Management, pass with Distinction, from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), University of Guyana.

Overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude, she believes that in spite of the many challenges she faced, the support she received during her time at UG contributed significantly to her success. “The last four years have been very transformative. The knowledge I have gained and the content that I was exposed to have positioned me for success and expanded my vision and thinking,” the proud graduate said.  

Bentick had her fair share of personal struggles but was determined that no obstacle would come in the way of her successfully completing her studies at UG, which she is fully aware will allow her to secure a better future.

She detailed the challenges she faced coping with her studies and caring for her differently-abled child.  She explained that while attending classes she would have to schedule her time around dropping off and picking up her child from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. This, she noted, posed quite a difficulty for her to be on time for her classes. However, she highlighted that her classmates and lecturers were very supportive and without them it would have been very difficult to finish her studies.

“There is a support network at the University of Guyana that I found particularly in my peers who would ensure that I had a seat and the notes I missed when I was running late; my academic advisors were a WhatsApp message away and were always willing to help and guide me when I needed same, my Dean, who was very proactive and interested in the wellbeing of his students and Lecturers whom I could have reached out to for assistance at any time. I also made use of the library resources even after midnight at times and was never afraid to ask questions or for help when I needed it. In essence, I took charge of my educational success,” Bentick explained.

The career banker who aspires to one day become an educator added: “SEBI provided a platform for me to develop and grow and I no longer feel stuck. I am filled with confidence and exude many competencies in many areas of my life. Importantly, I feel well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. I am currently furthering my studies and have experienced career advancement.”

Bentick expressed immense gratitude to those who supported her academic journey and contributed to her success. “A journey could never be taken in isolation and so I recognise first of all the Almighty God for health, strength, and wisdom, and some people that made it possible… Gayann Russel-Persaud for insisting that I apply to the University of Guyana, my mother, Wilhelmina Dos Ramos who faithfully took care of things for me at home, my son Ray who shared the pick-up schedule and who also graduated with me this year, and my ‘A-Team; Sabita Rampertab, Imran Boodram, and Andrew Horatio. You all were a major part of my support base. Thank you!”

Bentick offered words of encouragement to current students. “As I reflect on the past four years, an African proverb comes to mind, it goes like this; “Where you sit when you are old depends on how you stand in your youth”.  Today is the day to stand, today is the day to make the best of every opportunity that comes your way. Success does not happen by accident; you have to be intentional about it.”

Ms. Rennita Bentick

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UG IN BRIEF

The University of Guyana is the 58^th-year State University of Guyana. It offers 136 programmes in over 60 disciplines online and face-to-face on 8 campuses across Guyana. With a student population of now 10,000, UG has provided education, learning, and research for over 50,000 alumni. The mission of the University is to discover, generate, disseminate and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical inquiry. UG's forward-thinking Blueprint 2040 is currently setting the course for the University's future design and institutional response to the changing needs of Guyana.

Contact:

Ms. Krest Cummings

Public Relations Officer

Department of Events Conferences and Communications (DECC)

592-623-5104