University studies, good isn’t enough
wider scope.
Asked what qualified him for the scholarship, Anderson says that he set out from the beginning to be the “show horse” that everyone will bet on.
“No one bets on the frail horse in a horse race; everyone invests in a show horse. I presented myself as a show horse so that people will bet on me. You have to begin from the time you enter secondary school; you have to win. You have to win everything—sport, elocution, debating, public speaking, essay writing— and perform well, academically. There are several people who bear similar qualifications and you will not get a scholarship if you are comparable, you have to be better than good,” he explains. “Until we have a transparent and meritocratic system, you have to go above and beyond what are the published requirements. Don’t expect to be rewarded just for reaching the minimum requirements,” he adds.
This determination coupled with a natural boldness benefitted Anderson when he decided to simply walk into the scholarship department on Waterloo Street and tell them he wanted a Government of Guyana Scholarship.
It was not, however, smooth sailing from then on.
Anderson notes that he wasn’t successful immediately and since the process at the government level at that time was “opaque and cumbersome,” he decided to write several celebrities of Guyanese origin for assistance. He specifically remembers contacting Eddie Grant, among those individuals
“I wrote letters, sent emails and faxes,” he says. He did not having internet access at home and he remembers travelling to internet cafes to do a lot of online begging before eventually winning the scholarship, which was then supplemented by the bank of “mom, dad and other relatives.”
With his average tuition and living cost in excess of £25,000 per year, he remembers being very grateful for the Government of Guyana annual payments, which included book and clothing allowances.
“They were nominal but very welcomed,” he says.
Reticent to speak about his achievements even today, Caleb says that he approached several other companies before seeking sponsorship from DDL.
“I approached them and immediately they responded positively. Other places were skeptical but DDL, I believed, recognised that my intended area of study was of interest to them and would provide me with a skill not easily available in the local market so they offered their support,” he explains.
He maintains that he was not in any way discouraged by those companies who were unwilling to partner with him and encourages students unsure of opportunities to do their research.
“There are many opportunities out there, many which are not known, but they are there and if you are interested do your research and prepare yourself,” he advises.
Preparation involves ensuring that your high school career is well round- ed, according to Caleb, who was an athlete, house captain and head prefect.
“Universities are often looking for depth and displays of leadership potential. Involve yourself in sport, music and community service. It is not about having many activities but more about being deeply committed to a few activities. You must show that you will add richness to the campus life,” he notes, while adding that in the case of Princeton it was particularly important that he presented a strong service profile.
This profile was earned through consistent work with the then very active youth organisation Guybernet. This involvement saw him being recognised in several ways, including as a member of Youth Advisory Council for the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).
“Academic achievement is good but you must remember that there are often many more applications than there are places, so you must distinguish yourself from other applicants by proving that you are an asset to the university, find your niche, focus on it and be able to show how you will make the campus experience better,” Caleb adds.