In the fall of 2024, the Le Flambeau Foundation awarded its inaugural Dr. Luc L. Colas scholarships to two students at Université Notre Dame d’Haïti in Cap-Haïtien. These scholarships cover their full tuition for their final two years of college as they pursue degrees in agronomy—a field vital for sustainable development and community empowerment in Haiti. Now, as they begin their final year, these students reflect on their journey this past year, and share wisdom for the next generation, along with selecting a photo that captures their passion.
Below are remarks from Fanequerlie Pierre, as she reflects on her past academic year, and prepares for his final year.
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It is with great pleasure that I share with you my experience as a future final-year student.
The 2024-2025 academic year has been one of the most motivating for me. It was a year during which I learned a tremendous amount, both educationally and socially. As a student, I admit that not everything was easy: there were moments of doubt, fear, stress, and discouragement. But despite this, my commitment, determination, and competitive spirit remained intact.
At first, everything seemed unclear and complicated. I knew what I wanted to accomplish, but I had no idea how to actually get there. Thanks to the various courses I took this year, several doors opened to me, new perspectives emerged, and my ideas evolved beyond what I had imagined. I finally understood that having passion alone isn’t enough to succeed. You also need what we call courage, determination, and above all, discipline, which are very important for any young person who wants to move forward.
My advice to all students close to completing their studies, as well as to new students, is to take their dreams to heart. Things will often seem difficult, but you just have to believe in yourself, know what you want, and where you want to go. Life is rosy, of course, but don’t forget that it also has its thorns. In other words, you will always face difficult moments, and it is your willpower, your inner strength, and your perseverance that will allow you to succeed.
University is not only a place to learn a discipline; it is also a space that allows you to grow, both morally and intellectually. It can help you discover a new version of yourself, even in a group setting, especially if you’ve previously denied this aspect. It’s also a place where you can discover a new family.
Finally, I wanted to thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Fanequerlie Pierre (09/05/25)
To read the update provided by our other scholar, Trévol Rodné, click here.
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### How to Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved with the Le Flambeau Foundation . As a supporter, you can donate to the foundation, volunteer your time, or become a mentor to a young person in Haiti. Feel free to contact us by clicking here.