A heart condition sent Candisa Caesar to the emergency room twice in two weeks, but even a hospital admission could not keep her from completing an assignment as she worked towards her university degree.

The 43-year-old Ward Sister at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital has lived with supraventricular tachycardia, since 2003. But when she began studying at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus, her attacks became more frequent and severe.

Just seven months into the programme, she was rushed to the emergency room twice within two weeks and admitted to hospital. Although her family urged her to put her studies on hold, Caesar was determined to continue.

That determination was tested again on April 3, 2025, when she was admitted for a heart procedure scheduled for the following day. Even from her hospital bed, she had her laptop out, staying up through the night to complete an assignment rather than risk failing the course.

The procedure was successful, and she has not experienced another episode since.

Her hard work paid off when she checked her results and saw the words “Pass with Distinction”. She described the moment as one of overwhelming joy.

Caesar’s achievement was among the successes celebrated by the University of Guyana, as she prepares to cross the graduation stage with a distinction.

But there is one person she wishes could be there to witness the moment: her mother, who died in 2019 and whose encouragement inspired her to pursue higher education.

“I wish my mama would have been here, sitting in that audience there, cheering me on,” she said, adding that she knows her mother would be proud to see her receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.