‘Study early,’ world’s top student advises

START studying as soon as possible — this is the advice from the number one Geography student in the world, Anushka Ramjag. The St Augustine Girls’ High School (SAGHS) student was attending orientation at the UWI campus in St Augustine, when she spoke with Newsday about her success. She will be pursuing a double major in Biology and Environment. Anushka, whose parents are teachers, said she received the news of her achievement while at the airport, having just returned from a trip to Margarita. She said she was very excited and, “I still can’t believe it.” She said if she gets a scholarship, that will be all well and good. “But I am not holding my breath. I am happy to go to UWI. I am looking forward to that. It does not matter if I get a scholarship.”

She said she had no special recipe for success but advised, “start studying as soon as possible, and not stress yourself trying to cram. Everybody tries their best.” Schoolmate Malinda Nancoo, who placed third in Geography, said she would take a year off from school before pursuing studies in Dentistry. She said while she had no major challenges while studying, she had one hurdle to overcome — dealing with the death of her father while she was in Lower Six. The Sangre Grande student said, “It was hard, but I had great friends and teachers.” Reba Grando, another SAGHS student, placed fifth in Spanish.

Principal Kathleen Anderson said SAGHS was consistent in its performance and once again she was proud. Another high achiever was Avisha Panchu of Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College, who placed second in History. Panchu will pursue a double major in Sociology and Literature. She was also attending UWI’s orientation, but her mother Leela Panchu, an accountant, said, “She reacted casually when she got the news because she wasn’t expecting it. She studied but didn’t really take extra lessons as such and she loves to read.” She added that Avisha was hoping to get a scholarship.