One of my personal representatives recently brought something to my attention that I had missed because I have been quite preoccupied lately and have not been keeping up with the local news as closely as I normally would. After hearing about the comments, however, I felt compelled to speak up and share my perspective based on my own life experience.
I was told about remarks made by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister and Political Leader of the United National Congress, where she urged young people to take their education seriously. Her statement included the comment that when students fail their exams their future earning potential becomes limited, adding that the only options would be low-paying menial jobs or becoming Members of Parliament from the People’s National Movement. Like many citizens, I partially understand the point she was making. Education is important, and young people should take the opportunities presented to them seriously. Hard work, focus and discipline can open many doors, and encouraging the youth to pursue their studies with determination is something most of us can support.
At the same time, life does not always move along a straight path defined only by exam results. Everyone has their own timeline, and success does not always come in the same way or at the same stage for every person. Some individuals excel academically from an early age, while others discover their strengths later in life through skills, trades, entrepreneurship or personal development. It is important that we do not judge people too quickly simply because their journey looks different from what society traditionally expects.
Speaking from my own experience, I started working at a very young age and did not have the opportunity to attend high school. Despite that, I have continued working to this day while also trying to pursue my education. My dream is to one day begin studies in law. Anyone who has looked into it knows that studying law can be very expensive, and for someone trying to build that path independently it takes time, discipline and sacrifice. For more than four years now I have been working and preparing myself with the hope of eventually reaching that goal.
Life, however, has a way of throwing unexpected challenges in our path. Circumstances arise that delay plans and force us to adjust our timelines. That is part of the reality many people face, and it is one of the reasons why my own journey toward starting law studies has taken longer than I originally hoped. Still, I am not giving up on that desire. The dream remains the same, even if the road toward it takes a little longer.
This is why I believe it is important to remember that once someone has a passion for something, they should pursue it and keep working toward it. Success does not always come quickly, but persistence matters. Hard work, determination and patience often make the difference between giving up and eventually reaching a goal.
I also believe that political leaders often speak from a place of wanting the best for citizens, particularly young people. Encouraging discipline and seriousness about education is not wrong. However, motivation should also come with understanding. Not every student has the same opportunities, support systems or life circumstances. Some must work early, support their families, or overcome obstacles that make traditional academic success more difficult.
Every honest job deserves respect. A society functions because people in many different roles contribute to its progress. Mechanics, farmers, tradespeople, teachers, vendors, nurses and countless others help keep the country moving every single day. When we speak about work, we should be careful not to diminish the dignity of those who earn an honest living.
In the end, leaders can offer advice, guidance and opportunities, but it is up to individuals to take those opportunities and walk their own path. As the saying goes, one hand does not clap. Progress requires effort from both sides. Encourage the youth to strive for excellence, certainly, but also recognise that people grow and succeed at different times in their lives.
Some journeys start early, others begin later, but determination can carry a person further than many might expect.
-Written by Aaron Matthew Beharry, previously known as Aaron Jhinkoo on The Official Website for Aaron Matthew Beharry.
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