It is always in my heart to thank publicly the people who played an essential role in helping me become the best version of myself. Side joke, I was waiting for my victory speech to do so, then I realized every day deserve a victory speech; because today means that we won the battles of yesterday. In the center of the tornado of my life, at 17, many people came to my rescue, however, there were four rescuers who stood out, and today I want to let them know the role they play in my life.

Leo Devastey, he gave me another chance to experience life. He literally saved my life by giving me my first paying job. When you’re 17 without a mother, father, nor a godmother in a country like Haiti, being able to have a job is a privilege. My experience as a radio DJ and news anchor was the genesis of becoming Nephtalie. The time that I spent at Radio Phare helped me become a bright young woman. I was able to carry a conversation with some well-educated people who believed that I was one of them while I was still in high school. I thank you Leo, and I will be forever grateful! You are the first person that shows me that there can be light in the darkness.

Gesner Mervilus, I call him dad because he helped me like a father could have helped his daughter. My meeting with Gesner was pure coincidence or faith, thus, he made an essential impact in my life. Thank you, Gesner, for all the effort you put into getting me the job, even it did not work out, but I know that you’ve tried with all your heart. You’re the second light in my darkness.

Alain Julsaint, I am literally in tears right now because he is not around anymore, and I am not sure that he knew how his life make mine better. Alain Julsaint was the person who shaped my confidence, he made me believed that I had what it takes. With a smile, he said to me once “you can do this” when I was having second thought about my ability to finish high school while I was working full time. His concept of the education system in Haiti allows me to finish high school, and eventually to be the person I am today. I thank you Alain, and I will be forever grateful. You’re the third light in my darkness. “Un petit bey bey the loin Mrs. Julsaint.”

Jean Diderot Abellard, I still get emotional every time I think about what he did for me. He saw something in me that I did not even see myself. In June 2005, he made the decision to help me like I was his little sister. Still, wonder why did he help me? Because the people who were supposed to be there for me were playing “No Show.” I will be forever grateful for your gesture. You’re the fourth light in my darkness.

• Thank you, Leo, Gesner, Alain, and Diderot I am still working on making you proud.

A bold and golden thank you to every single people who had the opportunity to help me but, did not. Thank you, to all of you who were cheering at my failure. Thank you, because your attitude and rejection gave me the strength to fight in the darkest, and weakest moments of my life. When things seem impossible, I do not bend down nor declare forfeit because of you.

Knowing that you were waiting for me to fail gave me more determination to keep fighting.

So as much as I thank and love the people that: embraced me, listened to me, guided me, supported me, encouraged me, reminded me of my goals when I was down, reminded me that I can succeed; Is as much that I thank and love the one who rejected me and still hate me. Because, maybe, just maybe without their resentment I would not have fought as hard that I did to get in the road that will make me the Nephtalie I want to be.