Personal Narrative: My Journey To Haiti

Last week, we had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Julie Nickerson, a Junior at Simmons College. Nickerson is currently pursuing a double major in Business Management as well as Public Relations, Marketing & Communications and a minor in health care management at Simmons. Nickerson has built her career over a variety of roles ranging from interning at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts last summer, to currently working for Simmons College as a Student Worker in the Academic Programs Office. We wanted to get to know Nickerson more, so we asked her a couple of questions regarding her college decision and life post-graduation: Where did you grow up?

To be born in the United States yet raised by my Haitian parents in Haiti means to be born in an unknown world, simply described as the knowledge of life, confidence, and respect, all engraved in the mindset of anyone who allows it. Being raised in the Haitian culture made me realize that life is not hard unless it is interpreted to be. In order to understand the vernacular and daily life of a Haitian man or woman, one must know the history behind the perils. Gaining its independence in 1804, Haiti was trampled upon by both the French and the Spanish until Haitian soldiers fought back to rid themselves of their colonizers. From this statement, it is imperative for one to realize that the life of any Haitian begins with a fight, not necessarily

Genogram Paper Maybe two introduction sentences here about the importance of family. Family plays a huge role when it comes to the black community. The interaction between family members is what helps makes and develops a individual’s life. Black family’s uniting as a one can change an entire community.

How does the history of Haiti help explain modern-day issues there? Haitians are constantly living in fear whether it’s a natural disaster or leaders who rule in fear and tortured and killed approximately 30,000 people due to political reasoning. Haiti has a long dark history which constantly affects them in their daily lives now. Not only does Haiti have a dark past but they are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere today which affects many others.

With the whir of the airplane’s engine in my ears, my seatbelt fastened, and my window shield up I saw the city blur into the runway and fall from beneath me. My home was falling away from me, slipping through my fingers ever so gently. No more warm island air flowing off the shores. No more curious spirits coming out to ask questions. No more familiarity, no more Okinawa.

Growing up in America and having a parent from another country comes with many perks and stories. In case you haven't read the title or wondering which parent is from another country; My father is from a small island in Central America named Belize. To give you the brief history about Belize, Belize first inhabitants were the Mayans from the beginning of time until the fourteenth century due to them mysteriously declining in population. The Mayans had a huge roll in the Central American countries. This due to the fact that they developed the idea of hieroglyphics, which back then was the only fully known writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas-as well as for its mathematics, astronomical system, art, calendar, and architecture.

On August the 8th 1918 at 4:30 am let it be remembered that the heavens broke. After creeping through marshy ground and laying still since 3:00 the mighty guns of the Fourth Army all roared at once. Men around me lit cigarettes and cheered for the battle was on. That morning it was dreadfully misty and after the smoke from the barrage we couldn’t see more than 5 feet in front of us. We charged relying on our officers for compass bearings and many of us got momentarily lost.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake of 2009 and the other subsequences that rocked Haiti into complete chaos, had the Haitians in great need of help. The U.S. is only minimally involved with Haiti, but it is not our fault. Most of Haiti’s problems result from an extremely corrupt government (Aronson 1). To provide Haiti with healthcare, housing, and schooling, the U.S. needs to learn to help the Haitians alongside of their government while keeping the culture alive. Therefore, the U.S. as a whole should find a way to persuade the Haitian government to let America provide the Haitian people with the basic human needs.

Exploring Historical Issues in Haiti Haiti is a country in the Caribbean that has experienced internal and external problems that have contributed to its reputation and culture. In A Wall of Fire Rising, Edwidge Danticat illustrates the historical issues in Haiti. Throughout the story, Danticat refers to the difficulties and struggles the Haitian people have to overcome. The main character, Guy, is living in poverty and struggling to provide for his family.

The Cuba Experience - Prepare To Be Surprised I'm obsessed. I can't get Cuba out of my mind. It fills my thoughts during the day and my dreams at night. They're confusing thoughts, as hazy as the smog that hangs over Havana.