Thirty medical students took a step closer to realising their career goals when they graduated from the Texila American University Guyana on Friday at the Princess Ramada Hotel Poolside, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The ceremony not only marked the completion of their academic journey but was also a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of the students who spent years preparing for this moment. The atmosphere, while celebratory, was also a time for reflection. Faculty members, families, and friends gathered to honour the achievements of the graduates, who have faced rigorous coursework, challenging clinical rotations, and countless hours of study.
In a moving address, the keynote speaker, High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr Amit Telang emphasised the importance of resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning, in the practice of medicine. “The journey you have completed is just the beginning. The world you are stepping into needs your skills, but it also needs your humanity. Never forget why you chose this path. There is a need for doctors to adapt to new technologies and advancements in the field of medicine to provide the best care for patients,” he said. “Despite the challenges in the medical profession, the sense of respect, recognition, and fulfilment from giving back to society makes it a rewarding career choice.”
Meanwhile, Best Graduating Student Abdullah Idris Agwebeka expressed his gratitude for the journey and the opportunity provided by Texila American University-Guyana. “I just graduated and yeah, I’m excited. I feel very good. This is six years in the making. It’s been a very long journey and I’m very grateful to God for the opportunity to make it this far. It was a hard journey but at the same time it was very rewarding. I would say that my school was very instrumental in my success. Texila gave me all the equipment, all the necessary assistance that I needed to get this far and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. What I would say is that the quality and standard of education in Texila has really improved lately and I would say that I’m prepared to basically go out there and be the best I can be,” he said. “So, congratulations to the class of 2024. We’ve earned this moment and we’re all in this together. Let’s go out there and make a difference, one patient at a time.”
Among the other graduates awarded were Ariel Ruff, a non-medicine programme student who received the Chancellor’s Award; best clinical student, Anoop Kandikatla; best basic science student, Reseda Joelle; and second best graduate, Adolf Telenin Adebialo. Other awarded spots were third best graduate and the Dean’s Award.
