Daniel Guerero was born and raised in a community branded by many as a ‘crime hotspot”. But he never allowed the negativity surrounding him to consume his dream of one day becoming a medical doctor.
Guerero, of Circle Drive, Embacadere, San Fernando, was awarded an Open scholarship in the field of science last Friday. He attended St Benedict’s College, La Romaine.
His classmate, Matthew Rahamut, was awarded an Additional scholarship.
Guerero intends to study medicine, specialising in cardiology, in England or Ireland. But in the meantime he has landed a part-time job at Hi-Lo Supermarket at Gulf City, La Romaine.
“I feel really happy with this scholarship. Embacadere is not really a bad place, people have branded here like that. But I did this for myself and my family. I have always wanted to become a doctor and I was working towards that,” he said.
Guerero, 18, attained ten distinctions in the 2012 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
“When I entered Form Five I became really focused and worked really hard. I wanted this scholarship. And now I feel really good that I have achieved my goal,” he said.
Guerero and his four siblings were raised by single mother, Joyce Guerero.
“I want to thank my mom for her dedication. She never gave up on us. And I want to thank the principal and teachers at St Benedict’s College. They all played a part in my achievement,” he said.
Joyce Guerero, a Ministry of Health employee, said she expected the best from her son.
“He never came second in school. He was always placing first and I knew he would do great things. It is not about where you live...you just have to set goals and be focused and you would do it. It is not about where you live, it is about how you adapt yourself,” she said.
St Benedict’s principal Earle Alcide described the two scholarship winners as role models.
He said Guerero was a high performer since he entered the institution and continued the trend throughout the years.
“I believe no matter what school you attend you can attain the highest level. We were never considered a top performing school and I know people will look at us differently now,” he said.