Name: Tatiana B. Jn Louis
Where in Haiti did you grow up?
I attended “Institution du Sacre-Coeur de Turgeau” an all girl catholic school with over 100 years of tradition in Port-au-Prince but my family is originally from Jacmel and the Bahamas.
What brought you to the U.S. and how long have you been here?
Most of my family members went to college and live here in the States. It was only natural for me to do the same. I’ve been living in Atlanta for 11 years now.
How did you get the report about the earthquake in Haiti, and what is the first thing that went through your mind when you heard the news?
I got the news from my cousin in Canada while leaving work and my first reaction was of course “Is everybody ok?”
Describe your volunteer experience at MedShare. How has it helped you cope?
By the way, I think the staff at Medshare is truly amazing. Volunteering with them has been such a tremendous help. Since it is total chaos in Haiti, not being able to travel over there and participate directly to the relief efforts is very frustrating and can be at times quite depressing. Coming to Medshare has made me feel like I’m helping in some kind of way.
Do you have family members that were affected by the earthquake? If so, are they ok?
Yes. I’ve lost my aunt, Great uncle and his family in Jacmel and several cousins in Port-au-Prince.
Do you plan to go to Haiti in the near future to see family or help with the relief efforts?
Yes, I plan on going to see family members but mostly to help rebuild some places such as my Alma mater “Institution du Sacre-Coeur de Turgeau” . A group of alumni and I are putting together a committee to oversee some of the repairs and seek funding. A lot of people don’t understand the connection we have to that school. Those Nuns, who were mostly Canadians and French, were like second mothers to us. They taught us the value of a good education. Many of us would not be where we are in life if it weren’t for the strong foundation they instilled in us. And we believe that they should be given the opportunity and the means to continue educating our young Haitian sisters.
Can you share something interesting about the Haitian culture that will help them overcome this adversity?
Haitians have been through a lot throughout the years, from dictatorship, civil wars and natural disasters…we’ve been through it all and our spirit somehow always prevailed. I believe this is just another “phase” and we are going to get through it because we are firm believers of God. God would never give us something we can’t handle so I know he will help us find a way to bring our country back up.
