GUYANA’S US-based star athlete, Marian Joan Burnett, kicked off her spikes and dry-fit gear, and donned cap and gown to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in General Studies at the 253rd commencement ceremony of the Louisiana State University (LSU).
She was among 3,162 graduates – from 42 states in the US and 62 countries worldwide, and 57 per cent of whom were females - at the ceremony on May 21 last. The oldest graduate was an 83-year-old who collected his Mass Communications Degree, 63 years after he left LSU to serve in WW11, just three hours shy of his Diploma. There were also two 19-year-olds graduating.
President George Bush was at the ceremony – the first time a sitting president attended an LSU graduation exercise. He spoke at the function and was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree.
Burnett expressed thanks to God for “all the opportunities and successes, and for blessing me with good health and guiding me along the proper path.”
In thrilling tones, she agreed that it was strange that two of her most memorable experiences as a student-athlete in the USA propelled her into the presence, as well general commendations from the American head of state. Burnett had been part of her college’s Lady Tigers team which was honoured by Bush at a Champions’ Day ceremony in Washington two years ago.
If it is coincidental, I don’t know, but I guess I am just fortunate and that’s special,” she said.
Her one regret though is that her mother couldn’t be at her graduation ceremony.
You see, I am the first of the family this far, and it would have been a privilege for her to be here to share these moments, but I guess what has to be, has to be. She is my role model and we were linked in spirit all along,” the Pisces-born Lindener firmly stated between sips of a warm cup of oatmeal cream.
In a personal phone message, her mother rued not seeing Burnett get her credentials, but echoed the glee of her other relatives who are “very, very grateful for all she has achieved up to now, and we are exited about her future and the example she is setting.”
The diminutive champion noted that the initial support she got, especially from her family in Guyana helped her to “stay on the right track to attain the major triumphs, today.”
What running has done for me as a rural Guyanese girl is nothing short of tremendous. I wish others to take consolation from this and realise they too can achieve in other areas, as well … the sky is the real limit, not the tape,” she offered.
Along the way, times have been bad to the point that you feel like giving up … but, I recognised those were the challenges that reminded ‘if you want this, you can’t stay still’, you got to let go of the familiar and aim for newer, better, higher heights.”
Burnett said her parents instilled in her the zeal to excel and the need to be able to do the simple things of life for one’s self.
With that I was able to take care of myself in every situation I found myself.”
She noted, however, that it was difficult handling the demands of daily training for three-plus hours; travelling all over for meets and other functions; shopping; cooking; housekeeping, as well as hours a day of classes, studies and exams.
There was little time left to do anything else. Many days, I was mentally and physically drained, but I managed to keep my sanity,” she said.
Though skipping some queries with a stated desire to “still keep some things close to my heart”, Burnett gave a tip on her future, and said she would like to see herself competing professionally on the track for a while “so that the name Guyana gets more recognition and creates more chances …for other people(Guyanese).” She noted this graduation, which is her second in the US thus far, also adds to that mission.
Most attendees said while the graduates’ experience was the big draw, the President‘s presence was an extra benefit. “Not often you get the chance to see a national track champion walk, and a head of state talk at the same graduation,” said Burnett’s coach, Mark Elliott, whose entire family was there to experience his charge’s big moment.
We are all happy and proud of Marian … She showed unique resilience and discipline to seal another achievement,” he said.
From a band of LSU student-athletes, Burnett was showered with laudatory sentiments. Junior, Ruth Nanyinza of Zambia, was in a celebratory dance of joy when she said she was guided by Burnett since they met in Kansas in 2000.
Marian has worked hard for herself and others, and inspired me to a lot of good decisions. Since I knew her, she is a blessing as a friend.”
Marian set the benchmarks for us to follow … she is a true leader, and I am even more proud at this time knowing we share the same Caribbean heritage. You go, girl,” said roommate Hazelann Regis of Grenada. Regis, like Burnett, is a multiple Sportswoman of the Year awardee, having also gained her country’s honours in 2003.
Another colleague, LSU’s 800m record holder Jeff Fisher of Louisiana was unusually spry as he posed in snapshots with his fellow graduate. “We go back a long way, but now we can go real far … yo’ Marian thanks for waking me up,” he said, referring to the steady espousing he got from Burnett to do his best.
And, St. Lucian native William L. Felicien who also graduated in the Class of 2004 recalled meeting Burnett in 2001 and the efforts they made to acquaint themselves and fit into their new environment. He said many times they aided each other to overcome the initial solitude of being the only students from their respective countries at LSU.
We reminisced a lot on life in Guyana, and that surely boosted our confidence in this part of the world,” noted Felicien, who had spent time in Guyana in the early 90s attending the Guyana School of Agriculture. “One thing I can say is that I am richer for knowing Marian, and boy, she cooks a great grub!”
The outstanding student-athlete received messages from other quarters, including Foreign Service Director Elizabeth Harper in Guyana, Indra Persaud of the Guyana Consulate in New York, entrepreneurs Edgar Henry of New York and George Samuels of Washington, sports agent Tom Ratcliffe in Boston, newspaper journalist Michelle Sheridan in California, and her former boss and mentor, ex-Commissioner of Police and National Sports Commission Chairman Laurie Lewis.
In long distance commendations from Lewis in Guyana, Burnett was congratulated on two fronts. “You have set and attained milestones and glory for yourself; continue in good stead and serve to inspire us all. We stand as proud Guyanese besides you, this is twice the Congratulations,” Lewis said in obvious reference to Burnett’s graduation and her recent impressive Olympic qualification. Whilst heading the Force, Lewis was behind two promotions for the young police woman. Once with an on-the-spot upgrade during superlative record-setting performances at the Joint Services Championships in 1998; and again in 2000 when she returned home as one of four guests-of-honour of the inaugural Fitness Expo.
In a congratulatory email to Burnett, IAAF Athlete representative Keith Basdeo who coached her just before she left Guyana, said “Wow!! You did it Marian!! You have more to show and achieve. Keep the flag flying high, and Good Luck the rest of the season.”
Meanwhile, on June 1st, 11 days after her graduation, Burnett returned to the track and lowered her national record at 800m. Astonishingly, she recorded 1:59.47s to better the old mark by more than seconds on her season opener at the Mt SAC Relays (2:01.65s) almost five weeks ago. It was only the second race for her outdoor season which had been restricted in recent times due to acute attention to classes and graduation responsibilities. The Guyanese star had to pass-up appearances twice in Brazil, and once in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Qatar.
Apart from the new national record, she also becomes the 3rd fastest South American woman ever; the 7th woman from the Caribbean, Central and South America to ever break two-minute barrier, and the time was the 2nd fastest woman at 800m in the world this year. It was the fourth time in only five events this year that she had broken a national record at 800m; two times each indoors and outdoors.
Burnett said she learnt of the May 29 victory by Guyanese woman pugilist Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, and was further inspired to keep the Golden Arrowhead outstretched.
I am so happy for Gwennie, you don’t know! I think we both compete against serious odds … and it’s awesome to represent and show what Guyanese women are capable of,” she remarked.
On the inside, Burnett is also in the final phase of classes – Statistics – to conclude credits for another degree in Sociology (minor: Criminology), and is arranging to be available to graduate in a few months. She already has an Associate Degree in Physical Science from Essex County College in New Jersey, and a Director’s cup and medallion for Student-Athlete’s academic excellence from LSU.
After three years at LSU, the Guyana Sportswoman of the Year is reservedly excited about her progress. “I am grateful to God and all who gave a least a crystal of sugar to sweeten my endeavours over the years, but I still have brews to taste. It’s tough, but it brings out my best … I am ready for the haul,” she stated.