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I was born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, in 2008, and I’ve been living with my family since I was a child. When I was around two or three years old, I started my first school called La Colombe. I really loved that school—it had a great education system and was known as one of the best schools in my city. Even though I wasn’t in kindergarten yet, the principal liked me a lot because I was performing above that level. She gave me the opportunity to give speeches and sing at graduation ceremonies, even before I was old enough to graduate. 

As the years passed and I became a teenager, one of the most unforgettable moments was a trip to Môle-Saint-Nicolas. I think it’s the most beautiful beach in Haiti. That week with my family and a friend was magical—the landscape, the ocean view, everything was breathtaking. It made me proud to be Haitian. My country is rich in culture and legendary history. But like every place, it also has its challenges. In recent years, Haiti has faced a lot of struggles—insecurity, a struggling economy, and political corruption. I still hope, deep in my heart, that one day Haiti can return to the beautiful and peaceful place it once was. 

When I was in New Secondary 1—what people in the United States call 10th grade—my parents told me that my sister, my brother, and I would be moving to the United States. I felt both happy and heartbroken. It would be my first time leaving my parents and my little brother, who I love so much. We were going to America to live with my father’s brother—an uncle I didn’t know very well. I also thought about my friends and how I might not see them for a long time. 

October 2023 was the month I was set to leave. Coincidentally, it was also my birthday month. Before I left, my mom threw me a big party. I was so happy—my friends, cousins, aunts, and even some of my dad’s friends came. It was a celebration filled with love and memories. As the departure day approached, I visited my friends one last time to say goodbye. It was really emotional—we even cried together. The next day, my sister, little brother, and I said goodbye to our parents at the airport. We were filled with sadness, but I knew a new story in my life was just beginning. 

When we arrived in the United States, my uncle and his wife welcomed us. They were kind, but after just a few hours, I already missed my home and parents. Still, I tried to adapt. A few days later, my uncle’s wife enrolled me at Plantation High School. My first day at school was hard. I didn’t speak any English. I couldn’t understand anything, and I struggled to find my classes. But in English class, I met some Haitian students who spoke Creole and they helped me a lot. At 2:40, school ended, and I went home feeling overwhelmed. That day wasn’t the best, but over time, I slowly started to understand more and more. And just like that, I completed my first year in an American school. 

One of the happiest times I’ve had in the U.S. was during summer vacation. I went to Naples, Florida, to spend two months with one of my favorite aunts. We went to the beach, visited parks, and spent time together as a family. Sometimes, my cousins, siblings, and I would swim in the neighborhood pool. We laughed so much and made beautiful memories. 

During the summer, we celebrated my sister’s birthday. We went out to restaurants and had delicious meals. Later that day, we walked downtown and enjoyed the view. That summer was one of the best times I’ve had since moving here. It reminded me that even far from Haiti, I could still find joy, love, and family here in my new home.