by Nate Hromalik

A Haitian man once said that he is never scared now, because growing up in Haiti, his entire life was a nightmare. He was never hungry, because growing up in Haiti, his body could not miss what it rarely possessed. Haiti, the poorest region in the western hemisphere, never received adequate support before the horrendous Jan. 12 earthquake. When it occurred, it shook the lives of many, including several Haitian-American students.

Born in the United States to Haitian parents, sophomore Angelina Anezil has traveled to Haiti three times.

“I didn’t really look at the poverty when I was younger,” said Anezil. “The last time I went I was nine years old.”

Upon returning, Anezil recognized the extent of how terrible the living conditions were.

“People have to live in small shacks for houses,” said Anezil. “They weren’t built for natural disasters.”

The differences between Haiti and the United States are evident in relief effort as well.

“We have a better government, a better fire department, and better police force,” said Anezil. “If we had a disaster over here, we would have much better relief.”

Anezil learned of the tragedy watching the news at her cousin’s house.

“Everyone was frantic and calling people back in Haiti,” said Anezil. “It didn’t really hit me until I got home and saw it on the news”

Her brother was able to contact their uncle, who had to take their cousins away from their house due to the stench of dead bodies.

“I’m worried for them,” said Anezil. “They’re probably sleeping in the streets because the house cracked.”

Senior siblings Jean Evens and Christelle Erol are concerned about the people they love. Born and raised in Carrefour, a commune of Port-Au-Prince, they moved to the United States with their father in 2006. Their dad’s family still lives in Carrefour.

“I worry about them,” said Jean Evens, who was able to reach his cousin. “I feel lucky my family is still alive.”

Christelle was not as fortunate, hearing news that one of her friends had passed away.

“I used to go to the computer store where he worked and talk to him all the time,” she said.

Christelle feels this tragedy cannot affect their spirit.

“I’m Haitian,” she said. “We’re still proud of what we have. We’re still proud of who we are.”
With a Haitian pastor for a father, senior Dominique Pierremont understands this feeling of pride and hope.

“A lot of people from our church have been calling my dad,” said Pierremont. “Most of them are OK now, though some of them lost family.”

Jan. 16, three churches gathered. “There was singing and praying,” said Pierremont. “It was very moving.”

“It’s great to see that so many people care and contribute,” said Pierremont. “Maybe through this, something good can come.”