Yes, the break is over and it is time for the alarm clock to ring once again. I am writing this from the comfort of my home, before departing tomorrow back to Waltham, Mass.
It was a fabulous break. I had the opportunity to be around family, love, and, yes, lots of presents. I had the time to plan a few things for the upcoming year, however, I felt that I wanted to do more than I actually was capable of. Nevertheless, that always happens, I always expect to do more than my capability allows me. I try to defy time, but time inevitably defeats me every, well, time.
This past winter break, I pondered on what were some of the goals for this new year. I really wish I could get an internship to work over the summer, I have a few targets, but nothing is concrete yet. In addition, my academic performance was great for the first semester, however, I sill want a higher GPA, so, like many people say, I will work my butt off this upcoming semester as well.
In other news, I went to Haiti, as I mentioned in the last post. It was a life-changing experience that I will treasure forever. Yes, there was no running water, or electricity, or internet for that matter, but I did not care. Nor did I had a roof to sleep above my head, which was quite convenient because I could admire the bright stars. I found joy in discovering more about the Haitian community and culture, that was all I care.
Me and another thirty-eight students from different universities, such as, UMass Amherst, Clark University, University of New Hampshire, Villanova University, and Brandeis University embarked on this mission. We were all there in Pont Morel, Léogâne, Haiti, loving what surrounded us. I belonged to the community development group, which focused on case auditing and investigating further the organization YourStory International’s future investments.
One of the cases we audited was the first case the organization ever had, about a woman named Rose. Rose does not know her age; she does not have a birth certificate. She does, however, have three children to support and a jobless husband. We came this January to see how she was doing. The last time we saw her, she had a stable business running, but apparently this was not the case any longer. She had to close her store, having faced administration problems. Rose also declared that she was feeding her children off the goods that were for her to sell. According to her, the monthly grocery list of goods is not enough, notwithstanding, she demonstrated hope and will to get back to her feet and set her store once again. Therefore, we came out with a plan that will help resolve every aspect of her life, such as education (for her children), health wellness, financial, and housing stability, which is what the organization promised to help her with from the very beginning. In May the organization will continue to follow with her to see how she is doing.
I wish I could tell you more about the trip. How well were the egg sandwiches of a lady named Phoebe. How the genuine and the bright smiles of the children will make you smile back and inspire humility in you. They would say often yell on the streets: “Hello, how are you?” How everybody in the community would say “Bonjou!” and ask you “Koman ou ye?” Lovely, lovely times. I got back home appreciating every single thing more than you can think of. A little girl, named Love, had only a pair of sandals, and one day, as we were walking through the cane fields, they broke. The only pair she had, simply broke out of old and often usage, but she stoically tried and successfully put them back together—while I, had to find a spot to cry and conceal that my emotions, which were the product of what I was witnessing. I really wish I could help all these little children. They need an education; they need empowerment in this world. Dear Love, you gave me a significance to my life. If I should contribute to this world in any way, I would love to help you, Love, and the many other Loves that are out there.
Kids! Listen up, yes, college applications may seem like the heaviest burden right now, but none of our problems compare to the ones the Haitian children have to face. They cannot worry about education, because their primordial needs are not even met. Just be more appreciative of everything you have, even water. If they want to have water to drink, bath, or cook, sometimes they ought to walk three hours to the nearest water well and three hours back home—it is not a joke.
And, whenever you get into college, do not forget to keep giving back and helping out your community. You may have done community service only to include it in your application, nevertheless, there are millions of other reasons why you should consider giving back, trust me in this one.
Best luck with those final college application deadlines, and I wish you a happy new 2016!
Your friend,
Santiago