As we usher in a new year, we asked persons what they were looking forward to for 2022, and whether they had achieved any of the goals they may have set themselves for the past year.
Sarah Ibrahim, Businesswoman: In 2021, I made the usual resolutions – lose weight, save money, learn a new language. But life threw me a few curveballs and although I didn’t achieve those goals, I gained something better. I learned to love myself, to accept my faults, and appreciate the virtue of patience and understanding. This year has taught me to slow down and really see the worth of what I have – my life, my family, and a few dear friends who have stuck by my side while things weren’t rosy.
For 2022, I hope to continue along that path – appreciating all that I am blessed with, people, things, and opportunities. I hope to learn to swim, maybe get fit. But, most importantly, I want to live in the moment. I want to have NO bad days. I want to smile and exude kindness and love wherever I may go. And I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Kayla Schultz, 19, Student: What I’m looking forward to in the new year is graduating with my Bachelor’s [Degree] in Social Work and starting the process to serve my community and country to the best of my ability. While there was no official new year’s resolution for 2021, I did want to improve my mental health and focus on personal growth and I achieved that to an extent.
Denica Henry, Influencer/Youth Advocate: Last New Year’s Eve, I was honestly hoping that COVID-19 would have been like the regular seasonal flu and I would have been able to return to my normal life. Now, my new normal is way different than I could have ever anticipated. Going forward, I’m simply praying for the continued good health of myself, my family, and my friends. I believe once we all have good health. We’re going to make it through everything else. In 2021, I was able to get an enriching job in a field I’m very passionate about, grow beyond my limitations, launch my business as an Events Host and Coordinator, learn several new rewarding skills, and work along with some amazing people to create positive changes throughout various communities in Berbice. However, three things I didn’t get to do this year though: learn how to swim well, drive a car properly so I can get my license, and master horse riding. Those I’ll try to complete as early as possible.
If COVID has reiterated anything for me, it’s that this life of ours cannot be taken for granted. Live while you can and when you can have become my daily mantra. I hope others make the most of whatever time they have left to live a full and soul-satisfying life. Sending love and light out to everyone for 2022 and beyond.
Fawaz Harry, Sales Supervisor: In 2022, I look forward to greater development for our nation. I believe that despite the circumstances, we owe it to ourselves as well as our country to be optimistic. I’m not a believer in resolutions, I believe striving to become better human beings should be continuous and not just restricted to the beginning of a new year. I believe in setting goals, and equally important, setting a timeline in achieving these goals. In 2021, I endeavored to advance in my career, and through dedication and hard work, I was promoted. I also set out to eat healthier and be overall more fit and I was also able to make significant headway in this regard.
Shanaz Ram, Housewife/Mother: My new year’s resolutions will always revolve around my kids. I have done a few courses and plan to do more so that if there are any job openings I can get an opportunity to gain employment. I do hope more jobs become available in the new year for people living in the Skeldon area. This has been a struggle since I moved here 11 years ago.
I am a family-oriented person. Once my family is happy, so am I. I also hope we can get COVID under control so that we can move on with our lives in the new year.
Radika De Freitas, Businesswoman: 2021 has been a year of learning, growth, and gratitude. From a business point of view, being the owner of an online shopping business – The Coco Sugar Company – this year gave me a front seat view of what creating a brand and growing that brand means. At the beginning of 2021, I set out with the goal of growth, and thankfully I was able to achieve this with collaborations in Berbice and Georgetown. I was also able to grow my reach to thousands of persons within the country via the company’s Facebook page.
On a personal note, 2021 had its challenges. It has been a ride of ups and downs but to have made it to the end with a healthy family, a perfect son, and so many things that I am grateful for, I cannot complain at all. One goal I had for myself this past year was to get back to some academic studies and I managed to get on that train by end of the year. So looking forward to the new year, I am going head-on to take on any challenge that comes my way and make the resolution for more growth, more successes, more love, and peace. I wish all the very best of 2022 and assure you that if you work really hard, 2022 is going to be a great year.
Pamilla Jai Jai Ram, Teacher/Businesswoman: As the owner of a new business — party decorations and rental — I’m optimistic for further growth and expansion of that business in the new year. I want to spend more time giving service to my community since I love community work and I want us all to live in a safe and healthy community. I’m hoping to finally commit to my exercise routine and to improve my eating habits. Ultimately, I want to strive to be a better version of myself.
My goal at the beginning of the year 2021 was to place greater emphasis on helping my daughter prepare for her NGSA exams, make my exercise routine and healthy eating a priority, [and] learn a new skill, which is to sew.
Reflecting back at the end of the year now, I’m happy to say my daughter was successful in her exams. Unfortunately, I didn’t stick to my exercise routine. However, there were some improvements with my eating habits but [I have] a far way to go. I didn’t find the time to learn sewing. Life gets so busy, striking a balance becomes challenging but hopefully [I do so] in 2022.
My wish is for all of us to be more kind with our words and actions, as partners, as parents, as citizens of this country, and even on social media. I also wish that no child experiences abuse and for there to be an end to gender-based violence and domestic violence. I must add, let’s keep our environment clean. Let’s all spread love and kindness all around us and everywhere we go.
Dharamdai Maniram, Teacher: Now that January is almost in full swing, and we are back in the groove of teaching, my new year’s resolution, as a teacher, is to connect with my students and help them enjoy learning. [Also, to] help students feel that they matter. It’s easy to get caught up in covering content, but in the end, it’s important that students enjoy learning and that they feel important. I plan on giving my students more time to read for pleasure in the classroom. Keep trying to reach students and help them value their education. Show students you care about them. This can help create a positive, supportive relationship and help build an environment where learning can flourish.
Qurian Spellen, Gym Instructor: Well, my new year’s resolution is to establish my gym more by [getting] more women to join … My focus is mostly on women to [help them] have confidence in themselves and to live a healthy lifestyle. I want to use my time to bring the best out of women for the new year. Sometimes women are so housed up they don’t have time for themselves. Coming to the gym will relax them and help them socialize. I will be offering more yoga classes and specialised training. I also want to own my own home, so I will be focusing on that as well.
Ravin Carroll, Supervisor: My new year’s resolution is to be a better father and a good husband to my wife. My focus is to make my family a priority and to ensure that everything is provided to them to make them happy. I will also like to focus on a healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating and exercise. The pandemic is still on us and as [a result] we all still need to be safe. Mask up and stay safe.
Govena Devi Deonarine, Food Processing Technician: As a young person, I want so many things but my focus is to remain healthy, be a better worker, earn more and be supportive to my family. I want to also further my studies so I will definitely be looking at ways to upgrade my qualifications and also to become more responsible in 2022. I am thankful for life and everyone in it, so I look forward to a rewarding 2022.
Sheebika Mc Lennan, Factory Worker: I will like to earn more in 2022 and perhaps get promoted on my job, I want to own my own home as well in 2022. In the new year, my health and family are my priorities and I am going to be working on that. I would [also] like to become more prayerful in 2022. The pandemic is still around so bless up everyone and be safe.
(Interviews conducted by Bebi Oosman and Indira Natram)
