Karishma Dhanoopdarie, 12 years old is one of Region 2’s successful National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) candidates.
A pupil of CV Nunes Primary School and Anna Regina, Karishma definitely beat the odds when she scored 508 marks and earned a place at Bishops’ High School in George-town. She secured 6th position overall in Region Two tying with Jada Welcome of Aurora Primary.
During an interview with Stabroek News, the highflyer was quite elated when she described herself as “extremely proud” of her achievements. She noted that securing a spot at one of the country’s top secondary schools is a first but the major step towards achieving her goal of becoming a lawyer. “I was very excited having learnt of my achievement. My mother was always there for me, staying up late nights ensuring that I did my worksheet, my mom is my superhero,” the youngster said.
Karishma admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to adapt and develop innovative and positive attitudes towards her studies. As face-to-face teaching ended her online research studies only intensified. Self-study also became a part of her daily routines and most of her time was spent surfing the internet researching new topics.
The aspiring lawyer disagrees with many persons who were saying that “COVID-19 has been a nuisance”; she said that the pandemic only encouraged her to use her time more positively which she did by becoming more involved in self-studies. She divulged that she endured many sleepless nights by taking extra online classes, and working multiple worksheets. “COVID-19 has given me the chance to do extra research and has motivated me to study harder because I knew I had limited (face-to-face) teaching” the CV Nunes alumni said.
One of Karishma’s biggest motivators is her mother Devika Awad, owner of Devika beauty salon. While she does have many supporters, Karishma admits her mother has always been her greatest motivation and is the person who gave her the most courage to persist with her studies. “I admired the way my mother would stay up with me and ensure I got the right answers, she is my biggest motivation, and despite her working she found the time” the teenager said. Karishma is also encouraging other pupils who will prepare for the next
examinations to stay focused and set their goals. She also advocates for other children to use the internet productively for research purposes.
Karishma’s mum said her daughter did not only make her region proud but has given her more courage to ensure that Karishma achieves her dreams of becoming a lawyer. Devika also acknowledged that even as the only parent for young Karishma, she accepts that those responsibilities will now only continue to grow as she must continue to support her daughter.
“Being a single mom has never been easy, somedays I feel depressed almost as if I want to give up. But then I look at my daughter, my only child’s beautiful smile, it honestly keeps me going. It is days like this that make me optimistic about my daughter’s future, I am so proud”, Devika said.
Devika said her entire focus now is on her daughter and all of her current investments are directed towards Karishma’s future successes. Both daughter and mother also thanked all the teachers who worked with Karishma during her recently concluded successful primary education.
