“The Experience of a Young Immigrant”

After I graduated from High School in 1997 or 1996, I wanted to be financially independent because I never liked asking my mom or dad for money. I wanted to get a better job than being a bagger at Winn Dixie or an Auto Parts Specialist at Discount Auto Parts. I also wanted to get paid more money than what I was getting paid at Winn Dixie as a stocker while taking classes in College.

As a result, I drove my little car to Miami for about three or four days that last week in March 1997–from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to get my education or training to be certified as a security guard (“Basic Private Security School” ). I successfully completed my training on March 31, 1997 (26 years ago) and obtained my license by the State of Florida.

***In fact, I got my first job at 16 years old at Winn Dixie and worked there as a bagger and stocker. I saved my money for about two years and bought my first car: a Green 1997 Toyota Tercel. I was able to save $3000 in two years to buy that car. That was the greatest achievement in my life as an 18-year-old man. I didn’t want any financial assistance from my parents. I worked hard and sometimes I asked the manager to allow me to work overtime as a 16/17 year-old young man. He was gracious enough to honor my request.

I worked hard.
I saved all the money I made.
I bought my car on my own without my parents’ assistance.
I remember both my parents and older siblings were proud of me, and I was proud of myself–even until today. I never believed in free lunch as a young Haitian immigrant. My parents have taught me education was the key and work was my dignity.

When I came to the United States at 15 years old from Haiti, my father said three things to me and my older brother:

1. Stay in school

2. Don’t hang out with the bad crowd

3. Education is your key to success .

We both believed him and actually committed ourselves to pursue an education wholeheartedly. My father was right.