Country of Origin: Haiti
Age of Arrival: 9 years old
Hometown: Miami, FL
Degree: Economics
I came to the U.S. when I was nine years old, after an earthquake ravaged my family’s home in Haiti. Since the earthquake wrecked the country, we traveled to the Dominican Republic and lived there for a year until our Temporary Protected Status was approved. Once we arrived in the States, my entire family slept in one room and my mom worked several odd jobs to support us. My father died in 2004 and since then my mother has been supporting my two older brothers and me. Today, my eldest brother lives in Haiti and is a tutor, and my second older brother is finishing up his studies at Florida International University.
Growing up in America has been a unique experience for me. I love the culture and the language even though learning English was tough initially. Making new friends in school was also sometimes difficult, but I never let it get me down. Even with its challenges, I’ve always known America is my home. I’ve met some of my best friends here and have been granted so many opportunities and valuable experiences that I would never have imagined. Remaining in the U.S. is important to me because I consider myself an American at my core, and I want to do amazing things for this country.
I know not everyone understands the need for TPS, but they can imagine being in our shoes and knowing the benefits TPS and TheDream.US provide people like me.
I am now a student at Miami Dade Honors College. My college counselor told me about TheDream.US and because of their help, I am able to stay in school. My goal is to work in financial services at an international organization that helps poor countries develop and prosper. With access to higher education, I can achieve this dream and one day be able to help my mother.
I have only known America as a home and just want a chance to make something of myself. I want to become the best person I can be, academically and personally. I want to help others. This what TheDream.US has granted me.