Political unrest boiled and simmered in turns on the Caribbean island of Haiti in 2000. Against a backdrop of economic hardship exacerbated by economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries many citizens sought refuge from the turmoil by perusing the time honored tradition of picking up stakes and looking for a better life in America. Many professionals, including doctors and intellectuals, uprooted themselves leaving family and established careers to find opportunity in the states. Some parents, concerned that their children would be swallowed in the murky depths of political and economic uncertainty, sent sons and daughters to live with friends or relatives in the U.S. On February 5, 2000, Daphne René, then only 11 years old and her 13 year old sister, Christine Stephanie René, boarded a plane to Miami saying goodbye to their family and friends in Haiti. From Miami they flew to Chicago’s O’Hare airport where an uncle and her father’s girlfriend awaited.

Since moving to the U.S., Daphne has had time to reflect on life in Haiti as compared to life in the U.S., noting good and not so good things about both countries. She currently works as a peer outreach worker for the Rogers Park YouthNet at the Rogers Park Community Council. She does volunteer work in the community as well as serving as a peer youth worker. Now a sophomore in Sullivan High School’s Medical Career Academy, I sat down with her one day after school to ask her about life in Haiti and the U.S.. “I like being in charge, when the kids at Sullivan want something they come here (Rogers Park Community Council) and who’s here? Me.” She told me as we started to talk.

The Interview
What do you remember about the day you came to the U.S.?: I left at 12 or 1 o’clock in the afternoon. It was really sunny, my friends cried. When you’re coming to America your family tells you not to tell a lot of people because they might do voodoo to try and stop you so none of my friends knew.

You’ve been in the U.S. since 2000; do you consider yourself an American?: I’m Haitian. If you spoke Creole I would speak Creole to you. (Daphne says this with solemn resolve.) Americans don’t value stuff, they take stuff for granted.

How was the education system in Haiti compared to the U.S.? : In Haiti, teachers can punish you. Some parents, if your teacher hits you, and you go tell your parents, they’ll hit you again. (She laughs) In Haiti, parents wills stay hungry just to educate their children. Many people don’t even finish grade school because they can’t afford it. Like drugs and teen pregnancy? Not a problem in Haiti, there are just rules you follow. There’s nothing good you can get in life without an education.

So, you live with your father, when did your father move to the U.S.?: My grandfather’s sister came here with her husband, she sent for my grandfather. My grandfather sent for my father and two uncles and my father sent for me and my sister. It took almost five years. My dad had to fill out papers, we had to go to the Ambassador, and we had to take pictures for our visa.

What was it like when you first arrived?: I went to Eugene Field School. They put me in the 5th grade, one year back, and my sister in the 7th grade, one year back. I didn’t appreciate it, but now I do. They put me in ESL (English as a Second Language) so I just sat there, no English. I was really cocky, and I was smart, and I was somewhate short and chubby. My teacher was fascinated by my math skills. My ESL teacher. Mrs. Joyce Arado-Ralis, was really nice. I would never get blamed for anything.

She laughs and explains..: I was crafty, initially I used the language barrier to put up an innocent front.

On American schools…: As I was saying, some people here don’t take school seriously . Haitians value education. You know like people say we don’t have enough lockers at Sullivan, the gym is too small, not enough computers. In Haiti we don’t have computers. We have gym outside. When Haitians come here they start to adopt American ways. I know a Haitian kid who stopped going to classes. When you come to America you have a purpose, you get like triple the education you get in Haiti. I don’t have to pay for school and I learn a lot. We have labs, computers, and art class. Like we had this seminar and this kid said “No matter where I am I can achieve my dreams.” I’m like ok but will you have the opportunity? Americans have an idea of “freedom” but don’t know about choices. In Haiti kids don’t have summer jobs. I know a guy (in Haiti) who works from 8am to 6pm and he makes like $200 a month. I make that working with YouthNet. In Haiti jobs are scarce, kids don’t get summer jobs. I send $100 to Haiti, it’s worth $500.

How is life for you in the U.S.?: I have a cell phone (she laughs again) please, I wouldn’t have a cell phone in Haiti. I like the parks and beaches. I can help my mom in Haiti. I buy my aunts stuff.

Any parting thoughts or words of wisdom, off the top of your head?: Like the media is all messed up here, women all naked, smoking. You’re a developed country, be a role model. Some things should be controlled. Other people need America.