Living in Haiti is nothing like what is described in the news. It merely accurately portrays the anxiety, danger, horror, and agony that we all experience on some level. At the age of 4, I was abducted and, to be frank, nearly killed. I would have never thought that I would have been able to see so many corpses in the streets and remain undisturbed. And even on those days when everything seemed to be going well, the famished 5-year-old who was pleading with me for money brought me back to a brutal reality.
I used to hate this background because of the possibilities and experiences it had denied me, but now I realize how much of my resilience, drive, tenacity, and even courage I owe to it, and most importantly, my passion.
Making a decision has a redeeming power as opposed to feeling like you are impacted by everything that is happening. And I made my life decisions at a young age. I had a vision, made it happen, and delivered it.
I offered everything I had, whether it be with dancing in New York at the Martha Graham dance school and in music videos; or baking, which inspired me to start my very first business, Sugar Pop. The school served as both my haven and my place of total control for a considerable amount of time. Being an honors student, tutoring, and participating in book clubs, art, and math competitions, I also gave my best academically. However, I never could forget that starving five-year-old, and I became aware that success to me meant more than just scholastic achievement. I pursued this passion and devoted myself to it, altogether forging my values, personality, and eagerness. I wanted to represent change.
I decided who I wanted to be to myself and others, and how I was going to do it. For a project that I led and partook in along with my classmates, we published a journal advocating for human rights in 2019. It thrilled me. So much so that I simply had to do it again. I became an advocate for sustainability, sought out opportunities, and took part in seminars to develop my soft skills and entrepreneurial attitude, which prepared me to pitch “The All Against Hunger Foundation”, my social impact initiative, alongside Juan at the University of Miami in the summer of 2022 at a BIZNOVATOR camp. I expanded my knowledge by joining an online STEAM course with the Geeky Latinas, all empowering women. In addition, I coordinated bake sales and campaigns throughout the school year to aid underprivileged children through NGOs.
My past helped me become the leader and change maker I strive to be, and it gave my mission greater depth. I constantly put to use the confidence and willingness I possess to dare and be blatantly audacious. I know my motives well enough to be determined to press on and achieve higher goals. I am aware of my origins, who I am, and what I aspire to become. As a result, I became the writer and hero of my own story.