“The first step to creating meaningful change is rooted in inquiry and introspection” says Melissa Steguins, the author of the book “Self Care at Work: How to Reduce Stress, Boost Productivity, and Do More of What Matters.” In this regard, the leadership retreat for the executive board members of the Vassar Haiti Project (VHP) hosted on January 25th was a huge success!

Haiti, I keep learning, has an abundance of art, music and culture. During the panel, our moderator and panelists Professor Ismail Rashid, Ernest Barthélemy, M.D, Sabrina Jaar-Marzouka, JD, MPH, Roger Lefort) discussed Haiti in today’s global climate. On the verbal journey to Haiti’s current state, the panelists told us of the exemplary fight as the first slave colony to successfully revolt against the colonial structures and gain independence.

VHP welcomed students, community members, members of faculty and staff to the panel titled “Crossroads: Understanding Haiti and its History in Today's Global Political Climate,” moderated by Vassar professor, Ismail Rashid, and featuring three panelists: Ernest Barthélemy, M.D, Sabrina Jaar-Marzouka, JD, MPH, and Roger Lefort, PhD.

"On January 26th, VHP had its annual Spring Leadership Retreat, which is always an important part of starting off the new semester. It gives us an opportunity to come together, reflect on how our organization has been functioning, and set goals for the future.”

They say studying abroad changes you, and for me it did. I studied Graphic Design at DIS Copenhagen, found a whole other side of my family living on an Island off the Coast of Italy, and had three near-death experiences in Airbnb homes. However, the one constant in my life remained my love and admiration for the work and people of the Vassar Haiti Project (VHP).