Esther graduated from Grace Emmanuel School in the fall of 2020, following a senior year disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next summer, she was one of two students from her class awarded scholarships by JiHM.

She is now in her final year of nursing science and will graduate at the end of 2025. Her years attending nursing school in Port-au-Prince have been fraught with danger and obstacles, but she has persisted through it all.

“I’ve kept on going because I need to finish and work so I can help my family and others in need,” said Esther. “My mom is always encouraging me to advance in my studies and so is the pastor of my church.

“I’ve nearly achieved the dream that I never thought would be a reality. I am really proud of this accomplishment, because my goal to become a nurse seemed truly impossible.”

Get to know more about Esther through this 10-question interview.

1. Do you remember your first day at college?

When I came for the first time, I felt alone. I was sad because I saw that others had friends together with them in university. But I knew it was a step I had to take in my life so I could learn what I wanted to study.

2. What has been your favorite subject material in college?

I’ve loved studying community health. I like creating public health campaigns so you can educate people on how to live healthier lives.

3. Have you had a specific professor who has had an impact on you? 

Yes, I have a professor who has made a big impact on me in many ways. He teaches his courses with his students in the spotlight and gives his all to make sure he is teaching well.

4. What has been the most difficult part of college?

The most difficult parts have been needing to get homework done and typed but not having the materials I needed to do that, or the money to pay to type it up. Also, now when I have an internship, I’m still going to school at the same time and when I come home, I’m too tired to cook, and still have homework and studying to do. But with God’s help, I’m moving forward.

5. What kind of job would you like to have when you’re done with college?

I would like to find work when I graduate either in a hospital or in an organization working with young people in the community. I see myself specializing in community health so that I can share health information.

6. What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I read the Bible, listen to music, go to study, do homework or write notes.

7. If you could see lasting change in Haiti, what would it be?

I would like the country to have security so people can function comfortably without fear or anxiety, to have a calm mind to study well without problems. Sometimes with the problems happening in the country, I feel my mind is not really focused to study well. I would like us to have a president who thinks of us and provides the means for education to be done well.

8. How can we pray for you?

Pray for Jesus Christ to provide help so I can specialize in community health and that when I finish I can find work. Help me pray for my country to have freedom, for all people to love each other, and for people to stop destroying one another.

9. Is there anything you would like to say to the people who have supported you in college?

I thank God first of all. He created a way for me to come to school. I thank God for putting me on the hearts of those who chose to help me. Out of all the students in my class, I was chosen. May God bless you. I thank everyone who agreed to pay the university for me—a great big thank you. May God repay you for all you’ve done for me.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m so thankful for the staff at Grace Emmanuel School and my sponsors. They’ve given me their confidence so I could advance in my education. I don’t have words to thank everyone for the help they’ve given me along the way.

Help Esther cross the finish line.

Make a gift to the scholarship fund by clicking Donate Now on the GES Scholarship Fund webpage.