The Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) is a local nonprofit who offer scholarships to young women who are graduating from a Palm Beach County high school and continuing their education at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Palm Beach Atlantic University or Palm Beach State College. AWE relies on their members and donors to support the scholarship fund, for information please contact vicki@aweinc.org.
The essay below was submitted by a 2023 scholarship recipient with her application.
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It was the summer of 2008 when I got kidnapped. I remember it was a gloomy
Monday afternoon in Haiti. At the time, a relative was staying with us because she was
struggling financially. The day of the incident, she had just finished bathing and dressing
me. I immediately went outside to play, and that was the moment my life changed
forever. I can’t recall many details, being that I was only three years old. As I grew older,
my parents told me we made headlines in their attempt to find me. My parents were
devastated when it happened, they did not have the money for the ransom nor did they
have any way of getting it. After their uncompromising search, my family finally found
me. I was found in a bag next to a trash can, it was past midnight, on a dark and humid
night.
Two years later, my parents departed to the United States. I, however, was left
behind. Unfortunately, my name did not appear on the list of family members scheduled
to depart at that time so I was unable to accompany them. I was 5 years old when my
mother, father, and older sister left me in Haiti with a friend. My parents were unsure of
when I would be able to join them, but they could not give up this opportunity for a better
life. I was 10 years old when my sister died, and I never got the chance to say goodbye.
I was 12 years old when I finally joined my family in the United States, and met my new
sister for the first time.
I arrived in the United States two weeks before school started, not knowing much
English. The only thing my parents had taught me to say was, “Hello, my name is Glory
Cadet” . I remember feeling lost the first couple of months of school; the first day was
definitely the worst. I could not find any of my classes and even sat in the wrong
classroom for 30 minutes before someone offered me help. I was in 7th grade when I
moved, a time that is already difficult for young hormonal pre-teens. Add onto that the
inability to communicate with your peers and it’s a whole different story.
That first year was very difficult for me since English was not my native
language. I struggled a lot in school, especially in Language Arts and Social Studies; I
did fairly well in math though. It was extremely difficult for me to understand the
teachers which in turn affected my GPA. I received little assistance from outside help;
my parents were unable to be of service to me because they themselves did not know
English. Neither of my parents attended University; however, they always encouraged
us to further our education. Education was very important to my parents, that is why
they moved to the United states. My parents sacrificed everything so that my sister and
I could have a chance at a better life.
There was really only one individual who was able to offer any support, and that
was a family friend named Mr. Gardy. Mr. Gardy and I used to watch children’s
programs on PBS Kids while he helped me with my homework. This one simple act of
kindness is what got me through the first couple of years of school. Despite the fact that
I struggled to understand and speak English, I have never failed a single class. As I
entered high school I was able to keep my honor roll record all four years. I have
overcome a stampede of challenges; From being kidnapped as an infant, to being left
behind as a small child, to losing my sister while abroad, and much more; that I simply
cannot fit into this essay. Mr. Grady always said that I am like a Bull, I run toward the
red cape, I do not cower in fear. I face my problems head on, it is because of this that I
have overcome the many adversities set upon me.
I have been able to overcome all obstacles thrown my way, I know I am ready to
face whatever the future may cast in my direction. Education has always been important
to my parents, and they have instilled that in me as well. To me, going to college would
fulfill not only their dream for me, but mine as well because I will be able to get a
well-paying job, make important new friends, and be able to give back to my community.