Patricee Douglas

Patricee Douglas, 2009 SAGE Scholar

Introducing our First SAGE Scholar!

After much anticipation, SAGE is happy to announce the first ever SAGE Scholar:  Patricee Douglas, an 18-year-old resident of Georgetown, Guyana.  When SAGE called to announce the news to her, she said “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”  Those thanks extend to every individual who donated and every person who supported SAGE’s development in the last two years.

Throughout Patricee’s application her love for and commitment to Guyana was evident.  Patricee also held excellent academic credentials and a significant financial need.  Without a scholarship, Patricee could not attend the University of Guyana (UG).
 

Academic Program and Reasons for Attending University


“Love for the study of the sciences and love for my country, Guyana, has been the two main sources that have motivated me to seek to advance my knowledge in the area of Medicine or Biology at the University of Guyana.”

Patricee intends to begin a biology degree in hopes of later studying medicine at the University of Guyana.  On October 5, she begain her first semester with 5 courses:  Introduction to Biology, Introduction to English, Algebra, Chemistry and Statistics.  In her second semester Patricee is registered for Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Physical Chemistry, Biology II, and Technical Communications.

Her choice of career path and subjects combined with Patricee’s desire to remain in Guyana will increase Guyana’s human capital in an area of great need.  Guyana needs more youth like Patricee to become doctors.  Guyana has a shortage of doctors and relies on the Cuban Brigade, Cuban doctors on short-term positions in Guyana, to fulfill many of its medical needs.  Therefore, training more young Guyanese, like Patricee, can greatly benefit the country.

 

Patricee’s Thoughts on Guyana


“Our country’s motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ is more than just three phrases at the bottom of our Coat of Arms. It goes far deeper to define who we are as Guyanese, where we are, and the purpose for which we are here.  It is a statement that speaks boldly to say that in spite of our cultural background, the color of our skin, the school we attend, or the house in which we live, we will always be defined as one people, living as one body and possessing a distinctive cultural and social way of life.  And the ‘one destiny’ we speak of is inevitable; however, that destiny will depend solely on every choice that every Guyanese makes now and now after.  It is a constant reminder that, especially as young people we have to be positive in our thinking and active in our doing.  It foresees a better and brighter Guyana just on the horizon and tells us that we all need to contribute to that glorious day.”
 

Why Young Guyanese Should Gain Higher Education


“Education is so important to one’s life that it seems difficult to imagine change without it…Whatever the area may be that we seek to be involved with education will be the most important factor in the success of our future and Guyana’s future…With education it is assured that the changes we as young people make will add positively to the development of Guyana.”
 

Patricee’s Future


Patricee began her biology studies on October 5, 2009.  After one year, if she chooses, Patricee can apply to begin her medical program.  Further, when she finishes her education Patricee claims:

“After I would have acquired my training in the area that I have selected, I want to be someone who is known for her dedication for and love for her country…someone who contributed to change in Guyana and the development of our lovely native land.”

Patricee Douglas (SAGE Scholar, 2009) with Eric Weiss (WorldTeach)
 

Excerpts from an Interview with Patricee

 


Q: What are three adjectives that describe you?
A: There are many adjectives that can describe me, but the three that describe me best are self-motivated, God fearing and compassionate.
Q: How would a friend describe you to someone who you have never met? 

 

 

 

A: My friends would probably say that I am loving, caring, out going and a little crazy individual.

 


Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?

A: The subjects I love the most are English, Communication Studies and Biology

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: My favorite food is cook up rice.  That is a dish made with rice, peas, freshly grated coconut milk, seasonings like onions, and the meat of your choice – for example beef or salt fish.  I eat it with pepper sauce and a big up of swank(lime drink).

Q: What makes you proud to be Guyanese?

A: I am proud to be Guyanese because Guyana is the land in which I was born and where my heritage lies.  It is also beautiful and filled with many cultures which adds spice to life.

Q: What is one thing everyone should know about Guyana?

 

A: Guyana is a wonderful place and has many Eco-tourism sites.


 

Q: When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do? 

A: My free time is mostly spent reading.  During vacations I read for entertainment, but when school is in session I still read one of my school books.
Q: Do you have any special talents/interests? 

A: I have the gift of a captivating, strong voice.  So I often participate in speaking activities in my church.  I am also very dramatic, and I know how to use my voice to express different emotions.  Lastly some people have told me that I have the gift of persuasion.
Q: What do you want to be doing in ten years? 

A: Ten years may seem very far away for many but I know that time travels quickly.  I foresee that in ten years I will be a medical doctor(not just a general one but a specialized one) with a family of my own.
Q: Why do you want to be a medical doctor? 

A: I have a desire to become a doctor because it would enable me to carry out my humanitarian responsibilities.  I believe that it is my duty to help my fellow mankind.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

A: I would definitely go to Egypt to see the great pyramids and walk in the land where the Pharaohs walked.  I am very interested in ancient history.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (from the past or present) who would it be? 

A: I would love, love, love to have dinner with Martin Luther King Jr.  He is one of my great motivators.