Annually, MIRA nominates up to ten students as candidates to a full four-year college scholarship, given out by the POSSE Foundation. The competition is fierce, and we understand that the chance of winning is slim. Nevertheless, in 2010 MIRA nominated seven students from different high schools. One young Haitian immigrant, Rose Pierre-Louis, was chosen to receive the award, which will fund her full education at an excellent school -- an achievement no less amazing than her whole life story. For all she has done, we congratulate Rose, and proudly relate her story.Rose was brought from Haiti at age five by her parents, who hoped she would have a better chance at an education in the U.S. She was just starting first grade when she arrived, and were it not for her mother’s support, the transition would have been a major challenge. “Some afternoons she’d help me and explain the days in English, and help me count in English, " Rose says. "I knew basic things, but had a challenge when I started school”.
Rose also has three brothers living in Haiti, and one sister born in the US. The separation from her siblings was difficult, and made much harder later with the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. Still, she looks to her brothers for inspiration, while doing the best to be an example for her younger sister.
Rose also has three brothers living in Haiti, and one sister born in the US. The separation from her siblings was difficult, and made much harder later with the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. Still, she looks to her brothers for inspiration, while doing the best to be an example for her younger sister.
In seventh grade, Rose was accepted at a prestigious public school in the city, and she underwent another transition. Having spent most of her education in Catholic school, where the ethnic composition was usually Haitian or West Indian, she found moving to the public school system a cultural and educational shock. She was able to maneuver herself around, and use her friendly, respectful persona to win new and lasting friendships.
As the college process began, Rose underwent the all-too-common experience of seeing the future almost slip from her grasp. “The college search is extremely stressful," she explains. "Everyone said do early decision, and so I did, but I started looking for how to pay first. I was looking at scholarships since sophomore year. At first, I’d get really excited and say ‘I can do this easily!’ But then at the very end of every scholarship application, there it was: 'You must be a U.S. Citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident.'"
As a Temporary Protected Status holder, she could not meet the scholarships' standard requirements (though TPS is a legal status, it has several limitations). “A lot of the colleges were expensive, and financial aid was always for citizens or residents," Rose continued. "Mom asked me to apply to schools she could pay for." But still, her dream was to attend "a small liberal arts school.”
As a Temporary Protected Status holder, she could not meet the scholarships' standard requirements (though TPS is a legal status, it has several limitations). “A lot of the colleges were expensive, and financial aid was always for citizens or residents," Rose continued. "Mom asked me to apply to schools she could pay for." But still, her dream was to attend "a small liberal arts school.”
MIRA had been in conversation with several schools, looking to nominate immigrant students who would otherwise struggle with access to higher education. A councilor from Rose's school mentioned her more than once as a top student, whose desire to succeed was evident in her work as a tutor and a peer adviser to her friends. While this nomination process was taking place, Rose told us that she and her family even came to the point of fighting over the schools she could apply to.
After being nominated and going through the process of selection, Rose was given the final interview date. She and another five Haitians were all trying for POSSE, altogether afraid that, because of diversity, the foundation would only pick one Haitian student. The day that all the interviews were done, Rose went home, not expecting to hear for some time about the results. “I got home at seven, and about an hour later they called me to say I would get it," Rose says. "From these kids I was with on the interview day, four of us got the scholarship.”
POSSE will send Rose to Bryn Mawr, her top choice. She is thinking of a double major in biology and English. The new school will once again be a complete change in environment. She's looking forward to being in a place where all the students are women, who will mingle with different faiths, different points of views, etc.
Her family has been very supportive, “I love them, they are just so great about it.” Her father is extremely happy. Her three brothers all have degrees, and now they can rejoice their sister will soon have one too. The feeling is simple and profound; there are several hands placed in her back supporting her, blessing her. She is becoming that exact role model for her younger sister who was born here in the U.S. Things may be simpler for her, but Rose continues to be the best person she can be; following by example, leading by example.
Congratulations Rose Pierre-Louis!
