Susan Foley, New Routes Leader from the "Twa Zanmi" Project

Three and four generations ago, my family members came from Ireland seeking a better life and a better future. They struggled so that their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren could thrive. I am alive and thriving because of the risks they took to escape a harsh time in their home country. I am fortunate enough to be welcomed in to the lives of new immigrants both in my personal life and in my work life. They bring gifts that remind me there are so many different ways to experience the joy of living through food, music, friendship, and love. They bring so many ways to overcome the unbelievable sorrows of living reminding me that the human qualities of love, bravery and hope are strengths that can overpower cruelty.

I wish people in the United States would adopt a more “organized chaos” approach. My involvement with the Haitian community through the Twa Zanmi project has given me a window on how much Americans live by the clock and by rules of behavior that seem artificial. Focus groups of Americans run like classes or business meetings. Focus groups of Haitians run like social events or extended family gatherings. Objective, professional, and polite versus warm, friendly, and welcoming. It seems more truthful to understand human behavior and experience in relation rather than in isolation. We may improve our world if we understand ourselves as social beings rather than individuals.

Topics: New Routes Leaders