In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are exhorted to study and present ourselves to God as approved.
Although the aforementioned Scripture refers to the study of God’s Word, the underlying concept is relevant to preparation for an academic test as well. To achieve academic success, it is critical that we study assiduously and always strive to be the best we can be.
The First Assembly of God Wortmanville (FAOGW) church recently hosted its 16th annual ‘Celebration Day’ to honour sixty-five (65) students and forty-seven(47) teachers. The academic achievements of awardees ranged from entry to secondary school to tertiary education at the PhD level. Working and retired teachers were recognised and honoured for their outstanding service in educating the nation’s children and awarded certificates.
Three awardees with commendable performances at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) shared their academic journey and achievements. They are Elliana Ganpat, Gabrielle Bovell, and Jessica Kennedy.
Elliana Ganpat
Elliana scored 517 out of 520 marks achieving the second-highest score nationally. She was awarded a place at the prestigious Queens College and adjudged the most outstanding awardee. She described not immediately comprehending her success when the results were first received, and when she did, she became overwhelmed with her accomplishment. Elliana said, “I felt a rush of excitement and thankfulness in the moment. The thought that the Lord loves me so much that He came through for me. It truly made me feel like I got more than just a pass to my dream school.” She added, “I was also overwhelmed at the fact that I was among the top 5 students nationally and that I did become the best version of myself; I felt more proud of myself than I ever have.”
Elliana said that preparation for the NGSA was “no walk in the park.” On a daily basis, she studied for many hours, often late at night. She also took a brief hiatus from extracurricular activities such as singing and dancing but never compromised time for daily devotion. She recalls getting out of bed early in the mornings to attend ‘dawn classes’ and rushing home to prepare for her regular classroom studies. “Having to attend extra lessons daily and chasing sleep were two of the most exhausting elements of preparing for the Assessment. Completing the curriculum felt like never-ending hours of study, but being fully prepared meant that additional work had to be accomplished. Weekend relaxation was sacrificed.” She explained that preparation for the assessment commenced during the Covid-19 pandemic, and isolation restrictions placed additional pressure on an already demanding situation. Elliana said that she was required to exercise greater discipline to study, focus, and be motivated. “There were moments when I simply wanted to give up, back down, and stop everything, but my inner drive and determination to succeed drove me to perform to the best of my ability”. She said that there were periods of frustration, but it was all part of the learning process, and she persevered, as quitting was not an option. “I am relieved that I have conquered my first obstacle course, this is the first important test of my life, and I know that it will lead to further opportunities’.
Elliana explained that in the days leading up to the assessment, she experienced frustration and perplexity. She was afraid of being a disappointment, of not doing her best, or not remembering what she had studied while in the examination room. Managing her time was also a considerable challenge she still had to overcome. “The intense preparation made me want to give up and let go, but the Lord was my keeper; He carried me through the difficult moments and reminded me of my goal to achieve the maximum marks.I always wanted Queen’s College; there was no other option for me,” Elliana shared.
This was a big examination, and it was taxing, but she had a great support system through it all. Elliana offered a high note of praise to the Heavenly Father, “He was the Number One strength throughout it all; it would not have been possible without Him. He was faithful, waking me up every morning and granting me the strength and motivation to push myself and not give up. He helped me through the ups and downs and stuck by my side. Whenever I was becoming frustrated, I turned to Him and would experience peace and calming reassurance after spending time in His presence.” Elliana thanked her mother and uncle for encouraging her and keeping her motivated. “My mother continuously reminded me of God’s words in Deuteronomy 31:8”; ‘The Lord goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ “She told me that I was my only competitor.” Her uncle provided daily reassurance and support and advised her on assignments. Eliana also thanks her dad for providing the requisite needs and study supplies. Other key members of her support group include Bishop Dr Massiah, Reverend Assanah, Rev. Semple, Minister Gale Doris, Elder Deborah Hutson, Pastor Paul Benjamin, and Deacon Lorex Edwards. Her advice to students preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment is to, “Remain steadfast and focused on your goals, you too are capable of being successful.” She emphasised that everyone can succeed if they set a goal, remain focused, disciplined, and committed to putting in the effort. “Don’t simply be motivated, be disciplined as well. As you prepare for your NGSA, remember that you are strong and intelligent, and with God by your side, all things are possible.”
“…Whenever I was becoming frustrated, I turned to Him and would experience peace and calming reassurance after spending time in His presence.” Eliana Ganpat
Gabrielle Bovell
Gabrielle Bovell, FAOGW second-most outstanding awardee, scored 512 marks on the National Grade Six Assessment. She explained that preparation for the Assessment required many hours of study. On a daily basis, she woke up early in the morning and went to bed late at night. Gabrielle sacrificed watching television and playing with gadgets to beneficially use that time to study. Preparation for the assessment was very demanding, and time was limited. Occasionally, after-school classes were accessed using her mobile phone while travelling home. Although, there were intermittent wireless frequency interruptions, this did not deter her as she was focused and determined to accomplish her goal. She permitted herself a half-hour break before doing homework and also reviewed notes and practised previous assessment papers.
Gabrielle explained that she was extremely nervous in the days leading up to the assessment. She, however, heeded her teacher’s advice to study daily and avoid cramming the night before the Assessment. Practising papers from previous assessments helped her overcome nervousness. “When I entered the examination room, I pleaded the Blood of Jesus, as well as before handing up my paper, putting my trust in Him”, she said. Gabrielle emphasised that while it was important to trust God, she did the necessary work as God helps those who help themselves. “I did experience fear, but God and hard work helped me to overcome it”,
Attending Queen’s College was always her goal since it was the secondary school her parents, siblings, and other relatives attended. “On receiving the results, I was overjoyed, not only because I had accomplished my goal but in upkeeping the family tradition of attending Queen’s College.” Gabrielle wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Her parents were very supportive and kept her motivated. God, in Whom she placed her trust, also played a vital role. “He is the reason I got the grades I did”. She expressed her appreciation also to her grandparents and instructors, who assisted her throughout her journey.
Her advice to future National Grade Six Assessment candidates is, “Never be overconfident, be humble and work assiduously; push yourself to do the additional work even if your parents aren’t present to support you. You have to put in the effort even if you’re exhausted; you must push through and trust God because He will bring you through.”
Jessica Kennedy
Jessica was the third most outstanding awardee for FAOGW. She gained 502 marks and was awarded Saint Stanislaus College, one of the schools she aspired to attend while studying for the NGSA.
During her period of study, she focused her attention on after-school lessons and home studies. This, she said, was a significant sacrifice. “I took breaks from extracurricular activities like dance and swimming and reduced time spent with electronic devices. I sacrificed some of the time I would spend sleeping in an effort to complete all tasks assigned and to be able to review my work”. Jessica said she was overjoyed upon learning that she had accomplished her goal of attending a secondary school of her choice and was quite proud of herself. She expressed gratitude to her parents and siblings, who encouraged and supported her throughout the journey. This included taking her to lessons, reviewing notes, and offering her words of encouragement to keep her motivated. She also conveyed gratitude to her teachers, who ensured she comprehended what was being taught in the classroom and guided her to the end. “My mom would always tell me that what you believe in, you can accomplish”, Jessica added, identifying her mother as her primary motivator.
“…you must push through and trust God because He will bring you through.” – Gabrielle Bovell
Jessica explained that prior to the assessment, she was concerned about not doing well due to the volume of material she was required to study. She remembers experiencing both exhaustion and frustration and, on many occasions, wanting to sleep, but she prayed to God for the strength to persevere. “I kept telling myself and believed I could do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” She recalled experiencing difficulty in comprehending some of the science and mathematics problems and feared being unsuccessful in these subjects. However, when the results were presented, she realised she had earned top scores in both subjects. “I will continue to honour God’s name,” she stated, “He is faithful, and He brought me through.”
Jessica’s advice to students preparing for the 2023 National Grade Six Assessment is, “Not to worry, study hard and seek the help of God to provide the knowledge and strength needed and on the days of the assessment, relax and approach the assessment like you would at the end of term test.”
FAOGW wishes our top three NGSA awardees an excellent continuation of their journey in learning and succeeding.
