From his childhood in Haiti, Jean Carrel recalls his parents instilling in him the values of integrity, responsibility, and education. As a farmer, Jean Carrel’s father embodied the values of hard work and community involvement that Jean Carrel carries with him today. After building a career working in food security and assisting vulnerable populations in Haiti, Jean Carrel made the difficult decision to leave his home and pursue new opportunities in the United States. Although the transition has been difficult, Jean Carrel views it as an opportunity to continue his education and serve his community at a higher level.
With the support of the First Literacy scholarship and motivation from his family, Jean Carrel is pursuing a certificate in Biotechnology and Good Manufacturing Practices at Quincy College. Jean Carrel draws motivation to persist towards his goals from his mother, who is working towards a college degree in Family Counseling while in retirement in her seventies, and from his daughters. With the First Literacy scholarship, Jean Carrel is no longer forced to choose between supporting his family’s basic needs and pursuing his education.