Their Sacrifice, My Motivation
When Rose Florie Thelisma migrated from Haiti, she was already a college student. Still, arriving in a new country without friends, benefits, or fluency in the language meant starting over from scratch.
“It was like a grown adult becoming a baby again,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges, Rose pressed forward, motivated by her parents, who both earned bachelor’s degrees in Haiti and taught her that education opens doors.
After completing the Year Up United Boston program in 2023, Rose discovered Duet. Although she was unsure about returning to school, balancing work and her personal life, Duet was the perfect fit.
“Online learning gave me the flexibility to manage my personal life, work, and academic goals,” she says.
“Online learning gave me the flexibility I needed to manage my personal life, work, and academic goals.”
In May 2024, Rose earned her Associate’s Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Business from Southern New Hampshire University, a milestone that made her family proud.
Today, she works as an Administrative Assistant for the Southern New England Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist while pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Duet.
For Rose, education is more than personal growth; it’s a tribute to her parents’ sacrifice and a legacy of inspiration for the next generation.
*Year Up United partners nationally with Duet.
