Although I don’t have anyone in my family that migrated here from another country, I have someone close to me who did. My best friend Pierre moved here from Haiti when he was 8 years old. Whenever I hear about what he went through to get here, my heart feels with pride, companion, and inspiration. Because I know if he could find the strength to overcome adversity, free himself from poverty and move to a new country with only the clothes on his back but become very successful, anything is possible. Pierre was born into a large family; his parents had ten children and struggled daily to feed and cloth them. To help keep food on the table, many of his elder siblings had to bypass school to go peddle on the streets to earn a little money. Eventually, as times became harder and harder, many of his family members began migrating to America in hopes of building a better life for themselves and their family. It seemed to be an unwritten rules that once any of them “made it” in America, they would always send money back to help take care of those who remained in Haiti. Although money sporadically came in from his older brother and sisters, there seemed to never be enough. Pierre began to feel inadequate and frustrated with waiting around for others to do what he felt as a man should do for himself. With the inability of gaining employment, Pierre turned to a life of crime. He often talks about this being his darkest time of his life because he lowered himself to steal and rob out of pure desperation. His parents were becoming elderly and were not able to provide for the family like they once did. Additionally, with the economy declining all over, the money that was being sent over form the United States just seemed to not stretch as much as they needed. One day, Pierre’s father approached him and shared with him how disappointed he was with his action. It was then that they decided that to live up to his potential, he should move to America to make something out of his life. Pierre often tells me that the ride over on the makeshift raft was one of the toughest things he’s ever had to endure. As he drifted and drifted, he questioned himself often if he was doing the right thing. At most points, he feared getting caught and deported back to Haiti. How would he face his parents who are depending on him? What would he do to help his family back in Haiti? He knew that progressing back to criminal acts was not an option. When his feet finally hit US soil and he was safely in his brother’s apartment, he vowed to himself that he would do whatever it takes to make his parents proud of him. Educating himself was one of Pierre’s main priorities. Since coming to the United States, he has obtained several degrees in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. His plans are to eventually go back to Haiti and help to rebuild his country. With his experience and wealth of knowledge, he has had the opportunity to gain several high paying positions with several local hospitals and nursing homes. He has earned the title of the “hardest working man in Miami” from his peers because he is always working. However, as he quickly adds, each of my checks has a specific cause or designation. One check goes towards my past; referring to his family he supports back home. Another goes towards my present, referring to his current living expenses. Finally, the most rewarding for me is my earnings that are save towards my future.
Pierre’s story has served as a constant reminder to me and my friends that no matter where you come from you can always get to where you want to be with a little planning and perseverance. He has taught me that it is not where you come from but where you are going that the most important. He is truly an inspiration to me. Just recently, the mother of my children died. This was one of the hardest times of my life. But Pierre was right there with me telling me and showing me how strong I am. When I thought that I could no longer go on, he reminded me that I had two little children that were depending on me and that I had the strength to climb mountains and swim across the once if needed. I am forever grateful to Pierre for his guidance, strength and inspiration.
