19/04/2023
Congratulations Sir 👏🏾
From a small country boy to a Master’s Degree
Meet Christopher Adams
It has been months since, I stepped onto the stages of the National Culture Center and received my Master's Degree in Education. I also know some of you are probably wondering why I took so long to pen this piece; it was something I just had to do but never found the time to do amidst my busy schedule.
Life in the countryside (Berbice) was never an easy one, like most children with their chores and coming from an extended family, life was even more challenging but life was what one would consider just ‘plain living’.
Looking back on those bittersweet childhood days, I knew that I had to change my outlook on life. One could say my life is a perfect modern-day from rags to riches, because it was not an easy journey for me.
Sitting here as I pen this short biography I reflect on my days as a student and the many struggles I had to overcome.
There were a few teachers whom I have to speak of and one such is Sir Peters of the Overweening Primary/Secondary School, who asked me what I was doing in his class after seeing my first term’s performance at the Christmas term examinations. The question struck me like lightning, yet I had no answer for it at the time, at twelve years old, I decided that my education was what I needed to focus on as Sir Peters had set me on a personal path to conquer all obstacles.
Another influential teacher was Sir Randolph of the same school, who helped to open my eyes to the realities of life.
I remember him telling me over and over again, you are smart and if you just settle yourself, you can achieve great things in life.
I remember the lashes he gave to me which were always followed with, I am beating you because you are disturbing the rest of the class, and before you help the other students with their studies, you are disturbing them instead.
I still remember those three lashes to this day. But as I matured into my educational journey, I thanked both teachers for their kind words and discipline for those who knew what awaited me after completing high school.
Thanks to both teachers, I now stand as a qualified and trained teacher, more specifically as a graduate Head of Department for the English Language and Literature Department at a Secondary school in Georgetown.
I must say that dreams cannot manifest themselves without proper nurturing, and both teachers did their best to mold my academic life. I would like to say thank you for shaping my life.
Leaving, Berbice in 2000, after my high school journey had reached its peak, I was bound for Georgetown with a few pennies in my pockets amidst turmoil.
It was then I knew I was never looking back at the countryside for I felt there was nothing but broken dreams, forged friendships, turmoil, and the hope single mothers carry with them that their children would turn out to be something in society.
Nevertheless, some lessons we learn through pain and confusion and in a strange land, I locked myself in the back room of our home and slept for days on end, surprisingly, I discovered my love for reading since the four walls of my bedroom were my only friends in at that time.
I remember, reading the novel by Sandra Brown, The Best Kept Secret and How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan.
Upon completing my studies at the CPCE, I returned to the classroom, where I soon discovered in order to move ahead one first had to qualify themselves and that is what I had set out to do in order to come out on top of my game.
To my surprise, a 13-year-old student whom I am honored to have maintained contact with, Dr. Kenisha Hudson, made quite the impression through some surprising characteristic display, I discovered this child had a passion for the language.
I remembered she would say sir I don’t agree with that point and she would offer her take on whatever we were studying at the time.
She kept me on my toes, something no other student has ever done in the last twenty years. And I must say she was the person who encouraged me to achieve a degree in English Language and Literature, simply because she never left a stone unturned when it came to the subject. I just wish all students were like her.
Fast-forward, I remembered someone very close to me saying that I was never going to make it and that they had no monies to send me to the University of Guyana but I was able to attend regardless and have done exceptionally well.
Sometimes all we need in life is someone to carry us part of the way, but fortunately with hard work, determination, tears, and sacrifices I was able to do it on my own. There were times I would reflect on the words of the late Whitney Houston; I was not built to break. With those words at the back of my head, I kept pushing and I have never stopped climbing the stairs for I have not yet reached my destination.
The walk was never an easy one, for there were days I wanted to give up on the entire process and journey. Nevertheless, God always showed up in times of despair and reminded me that no battle is won through failure.
Now, at this point, I would like to thank those who would have either encouraged or tried to discourage me during my journey.
But especially those who have aided in my successes. My sister, Holly, I know you have given up so much in your life to make sure I can now stand proudly on my own; thanks for always pushing me to accomplish all my dreams even at the expense of yours, words cannot justify the many sacrifices you would have made for me and once again thanks for always reminding me that we made it. Something you would always say to me after accomplishing another task, thanks, girl.
To my mother Winifred Adams, I know we were not always on the best of terms, but I would always reflect on the interest you took when it came to examinations, you always asked questions and remained my number one supporter.
Dr. Amanda Kissoon- Russell. Thanks for showing up in my life when I wanted to quit. I must say your many emails, telephone calls, and constructive criticism was an encouragement, reminding me why I had started this journey in the first place, and for that, I am grateful for your never-ending support.
To my sister Alicia Adams, it is time for us to make changes in our lives, for life is too short for us to waste it on stupid things. I reflect on your words when I am going to stop studying, and my answer to you after many years remains the same, and that would be when I die.
Jewel Nicholas, my sister, thank you for always celebrating me when I was successful in my courses as you remember, there were many. Thanks for reminding me that it's not where one comes from that determines their future.
To my brother from another mother, Paul Phillips, you are brilliant beyond your years, and thanks for reminding me that even a broken crayon can still color the rainbow beautifully.
And for all whose voices that are muted and have been swept under the rug, to all the little boys and girls around the world who were raised by single mothers and those who dared to dream, keep on dreaming because one day your dreams will become reality and remember to never let anyone tell you that you cannot dream big.
