"You are the Future"
Haitian-American Ivanley Noisette grew up in Philadelphia, earned a B.A. from Villanova University, and received a Masters of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. Ivanley is a George J. Mitchell Scholar studying Human Rights Law and Transnational Justice at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. This summer, Ivanley spent three weeks at the HELP Student Center interviewing and creating student profiles for this year's incoming class. Upon his return, he was inspired to write an open letter to the HELP community:
To the staff of HELP, I hope you all realize how special your work is—especially in these transformative years after 12 January 2010. There are some idealists who imagine a better world and show us a glimpse of what it may look like through their art. These people give us hope that the light of tomorrow can shine through the darkness of today and illuminate a path to progress for all who choose to walk. There are also realists or ‘pragmatists,’ those largely indifferent to the state of affairs that focus on a narrow set of self-interests. Our brothers and sisters of this persuasion, although myopic in scope, show us that perseverance and commitment to a set of goals can produce results. Then there are those who build a bridge—the pragmatic-idealists. This mixture of vision and action works towards a more just, equitable, and dignified tomorrow by taking concrete steps to bring that vision closer to reality today. Taking these steps requires intelligence, creativity, and dedication.
The mission of HELP aligns with the principles of pragmatic-idealism and the fact that you all—the members of the staff—devote yourselves to creating a “community of young professionals and leaders who promote a more just society in Haiti” is noble. I hope with all my heart that you remember this mission each and every day— even when the circumstances are difficult and you’re tempted to consider your position as solely another job or point in your career. Remember why the organization exists and the problems it seeks to solve.
You, the person reading this letter, may not be able to change your community, country, or the world on your own, but as part of a team, your impact can be remarkable. Even alone, if guided by love, person by person, your impact may be greater than you could ever imagine.
To the current HELP students, alumni, and candidates, I am as proud of you all as an advisor, fellow member of the diaspora, and friend can be. I am honored by the personal stories that many of you have shared with me. In parts of West Africa, the lands of our forbearers, griots were the record keepers within the oral tradition who mastered the art of storytelling. I felt the fruits of those roots manifest through some of the deep, introspective, and eloquent stories many of you told me. As you continue writing your story, remember who you are, where you came from, and where you are going.
You will be the leaders of tomorrow, both here in Haiti and in the world. Some view leadership as telling others what they should do—dictating a path and rallying people to follow those directives. Yes, conviction, at times, does play an important role in leadership. Great leaders, however, often view their mission to be empowering others. The visionaries among you will have brilliant plans for Haiti and will instruct others on what must be done to bring those plans to fruition. As you plan, manage, and govern, remember the importance of listening. Be aware that academic credentials and status do not place any individual above another. Status or job titles do not make one story more valuable than another.
Poverty and wealth do not simply relate to the amount of money in one’s bank account. One can be rich in many things—love, kindness, compassion, intelligence, or beauty, for instance; and one can be, unfortunately, poor in many things—lacking respect, purpose, or understanding, among other deficits. As future leaders, be mindful of what it means to truly be wealthy. Develop the ability to truly see others, not just their job title, material wealth, or status, but their true selves with all the strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and potential they possess. Learn to listen to another’s story: we all have them and they all deserve to be heard.
To everyone, remember that “Haiti” is not just an abstract concept floating at sea with static attributes. Haiti is defined by the relations between each individual person living in the western part of Hispaniola and the diaspora at large. Haiti, like all of us, has a story. While a few chapters have already been written, there are numerous pages waiting to be filled. Whether you want it to or not, your story will be part of those pages one day, and it will be part of Haiti’s story. What would you like it to say?
In the lands of our ancestors, there is a philosophy called ubuntu, which, roughly translated, means, “I am what I am because of who we all are.” A brighter tomorrow will undoubtedly arrive—the toils of so many bright and creative Haitians will not be in vain. But, a brighter today, one that loves, respects, and recognizes the dignity of everyone’s story is possible right now. Haiti can and will rise, but it will happen with everyone working together, not through fear, divisiveness, or isolation. Haiti is you, me, and every one person living in it, or as part of the diaspora. How will we define it?
As our forbearers and their rich history cry out to us, “Honor!” how will we respond? Let our generation reply through our words and deeds, with an emphatic, “Respect!”
Cordially,Ivanley Noisette