Lydie Macguffie

To tell the truth, I was raised in a family to try to survive using business as a way out. Even if in Haiti the conditions were not met. I remember that my late grandmother was very good, as was her entire generation. It’s like something that’s innate in me. I was born with the ability to create and manage. Around 10 years old, I started selling sweets at school to be able to buy cosmetic products for myself and my sister since my uncles were paying the school fees for me, I didn't want them to spend too much because their responsibilities were numerous . Then, I bought beads and macramé threads to produce craft products (jewelry, bags, etc.). It was a bit difficult for me because I couldn't do them well since the technology was advanced but I didn't have a smart phone yet. Every afternoon after school, I would ask one of my older cousins ​​to let me watch tutorials on YouTube. Step by step, I began to succeed. At the age of 14 with the profits, I began to aim further, I paid for my first portrait lesson during the holidays because I had a little skill in drawing. The price for a portrait was much higher than the small businesses I did and that's also where I got my first professional trade certificate. I continued to embark on many more. At the age of 16, I paid for a seminar for hyperrealistic portraits, I got a second certificate. At the age of 17, I paid to take a seminar on entrepreneurship, I got my third certificate. After that I started booking places in a few programs to go sell Haitian shaved ice, popcorn, Haitian Donuts and cocktails that myself and my sister were making, we partnered with a friend who had taken the entrepreneurship course and the We chose a name for the company: “Flambeau de l’Art” which we gave as the objective of making art shine through fashion in all possible ways. We already had the chance to create a page on Facebook to make it much more visible. Although I went to school in the morning, it did not affect my learning and my averages because I loved doing that, I felt proud. I remember at a certain point the situation in the country was exaggerated with the problem of insecurity, my uncles did not really agree and asked to cancel everything. Sometimes in certain programs, there are always fights and people shoot and throw bottles anywhere, which means at any time, you can be a victim. I didn't give up even though it was risky, for others it was a simple thing, but I was aiming further, I knew I was going to succeed. Because with perseverance and determination nothing is impossible. And I knew that no success was easy, especially when someone comes out of a very low class like the one I was in. Then at the age of 18, I took a seminar on resin, I received my fourth certificate. I continued to learn because I believed in my abilities and also my intelligence. I followed another on graphic designer and also on business management (quickbooks). Until I left for the USA in a program that some generally call (Biden Program). After finishing my classical studies, I would like to study entrepreneurship and obtain a doctorate degree in order to be able to continue practicing this profession. In fact, obtaining this scholarship would be a way for me to finance my higher education and also to help me better manage my financial future after obtaining my diploma. It is also an opportunity for additional learning such as internships or study abroad programs, which can help me gain professional experience and broaden my horizons. Receiving this scholarship will further strengthen my self-confidence and bring out my potential. This will help me create a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. Since I come from a disadvantaged background, this scholarship will help me access educational opportunities that they may not have had otherwise. This could have a great positive impact on society.

The reasons why I want to continue my studies is because it will allow me to broaden my skills and specialize in a field that suits me (e-business, human resources, management, commerce, etc.). Because since I was little, I would like to pursue a diploma career because the more I am up to date with these new trends, the more I will not find myself at the bottom of the pile of applications and this will allow me to stand out from other candidates. , a significant advantage in the world of work. Because competition in the job market is tough. I would also like to take the opportunity to create my own network which is an interesting step in the short and long term with the diversity of people I would meet, namely my classmates, my teachers who could be useful to me. Continue to be able to help others because without them, I wouldn't be here. Because of the feeling of pride that I will have, this will allow me to obtain new work skills such as rigor, organization or autonomy.

Playing basketball since I was little makes me competitive and gives me even more skills in leadership, observation and teamwork. Music helps me overcome myself and is considered a source of inspiration for my creativity, discipline and performance skills. Creating content on social networks has always been my favorite because I get distracted a lot with communication, marketing and project management. Because I love traveling, I have become curious, open-minded and have skills in adaptation and intercultural communication.