From orphaned child to registered nurse: Somwattie’s triumph, a testament to her resilience and discipline

Somwattie Jewan, a 35-year-old registered nurse in Queens, New York, has overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve remarkable success in the medical field. Her journey from a turbulent childhood in Guyana to becoming a dedicated healthcare professional in the United States is a testament to her tenacious resilience and resolve.

Born in Tuschen, a small village in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Guyana, her earlier years were marred by poverty and domestic turmoil. She was forced to shoulder adult responsibilities at a young age, caring for her siblings and missing out on a normal childhood. Her late mother, whom she regards as her hero, was the family’s breadwinner, doing her best to provide for Somwattie and her three siblings while their father struggled with alcohol addiction.

“My mom used to buy used instruments called files, which cane harvesters use to sharpen their cutlasses. She would soak them in lemon water overnight, and by the next day, they would be shiny. She would then travel to Georgetown and sell them in front of a store. When she returned with her earnings, my dad would take the money from her to buy rum. We would probably get one good meal out of it. It was a cycle my mother couldn’t break,” she said tearfully.

Nurse Somwattie celebrates after completing her studies to become a registered nurse. Photo courtesy Somwattie Jewan

As the eldest child, she had to take on responsibilities early. From age six, she would walk around her small village selling vegetables to help support her siblings. Her mother, occupied with keeping the family together and providing for them, couldn’t afford to send the children to school.

“I recall my mom getting vegetables like pumpkins, and I would carry them on my head to sell in the village under the scorching sun. I can still hear myself calling out, ‘Pumpkin, pumpkin.’ I can’t imagine my son doing that at seven,” she reflected.

After tirelessly trying unsuccessfully, her mother moved across the country to Berbice, the countryside, and placed her four children in an orphanage. Jewan now understands that her mother had no other option. Struggling to provide even necessities, her mother sacrificed to ensure her children had stability and food.

“My mother took us to Berbice, and my uncle, who was involved with the church, recommended that she place us in an orphanage. That marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. I arrived there in 1997, until I was 18. The first two and a half years were tough as I struggled to adapt to the new environment, but eventually, it became my new regular, almost like a second family.”

Jewan began school for the first time at nine, starting with learning the alphabet. Despite her late start, she quickly excelled academically, demonstrating intelligence and perseverance. She earned admission to one of the top schools in the area, Corentyne Comprehensive High School, where she continued to excel. Her determination to succeed, despite challenging circumstances, laid the foundation for her future achievements.

n Guyana, Somwattie Jewan was a professional high school teacher. Photo courtesy Somwattie Jewan

“I had Cyril Drepaul, who dedicated his time to teaching me everything, from pronunciation to spelling. Although he wasn’t the main person in charge of the children’s home, he played a significant role there, helping us with schoolwork and discipline. He was a supportive father figure for all the children and saw potential in me. He spent extra time teaching me the alphabet, counting, and other essential skills.”

Arriving in Queens, New York, pregnant and with limited resources, Jewan arrived hopeful in the land of opportunities. However, a few years later, her marriage ended, and she had to pivot again, supporting herself and her son independently. She worked tirelessly in various jobs to meet ends, always keeping her goals in sight. In 2017, driven by a deep desire to impact others’ lives, she enrolled in nursing school, working multiple jobs to finance her education. Her commitment to nursing is deeply rooted in her experience of nearly losing her life during childbirth and being cared for by compassionate nurses who helped her recover. This personal encounter reinforced her belief in nursing’s capacity to heal and offer solace.

“Being a nurse means more than just a profession to me,” she explains. “It’s about humility, respect, and making a difference in people’s lives.”

Since graduating with her nursing degree in 2022, Jewan has continued to advance her career, earning a bachelor’s degree and pursuing advanced training in critical care. Her ultimate goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), a position that allows for greater hands-on involvement and crucial decision-making in patient care.

Jewan’s inspiring story is a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. Her journey from a childhood filled with hardship to a successful career in nursing demonstrates the transformative power of education, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams.

“I want to show my son that anything is possible with hard work and determination,” Jewan said, reflecting on her journey. “I want him to know the importance of resilience and never giving up on your dreams.”