Haitian instructor looks forward
Julia Toles
Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: News
Shocked and in a state of dismay are the only two emotions Heleine Van Dyke, a native of Haiti and French instructor at PUC, recalls feeling when she first saw the destruction of Porte Au Prince.
Shaking nervously, while her eyes pace around the room, Van Dyke fights to hold back tears. "It is too raw," she said, "I can't see the good in this."
"I could never equate an earthquake with Haiti." As the thoughts constantly replay in her mind, she shifts side-to-side in her chair; trying very hard to find the right words to express her feelings. "I was angry," Van Dyke said.
She explained how with more evidence of the destruction, the angrier she became. However, Van Dyke knew she had to channel her anger towards something else, something more positive. She said staying positive and raising funds are the least she could have done for the country that built the foundations for who she is as a person.
As for now, Van Dyke has been working with her church, Westminster Presbyterian, which has collected $14,172 since last Sunday, to help Haiti. Apart from collecting donations, Van Dyke and her church are also donating things to the Children of Abraham Foundation.
The Children of Abraham is a worldwide organization consisting of Jews, Christians and Muslims who give out medical supplies and emergency kits to help children all around the world.
With her family by her side, Van Dyke stays grounded and supported as she deals with this catastrophe and its impact on her family. Van Dyke says her family is as equally active in the cause to assist in Haiti's relief. The firm owned by Van Dyke's husband recently donated $20,000 to her church and she states that without his efforts it would not have been possible.
Van Dyke commends her PUC family for their efforts. She states the PUC Black Student Union and Social Justice Club, along with other organizations, will also be hosting fundraisers to help Haiti. With the many efforts and support from people all around the world, Van Dyke has come to discover there are still many misconceptions people have with Haiti. She hopes during this catastrophe people can take the time to be educated about her homeland.
"Haitian people are very proud people," she said. "We are by no means violent."
Van Dyke said that to hear some of the things that she has heard during this time of need, she feels the urgency to educate many. Van Dyke wants people to read about the Haitian history so they can get to know who and what Haiti represents. She mentioned that 14 days after the earthquake, Haitians were still pulling people out from under rubble - a testament to their determination. "We are resiliant."
Shaking nervously, while her eyes pace around the room, Van Dyke fights to hold back tears. "It is too raw," she said, "I can't see the good in this."
"I could never equate an earthquake with Haiti." As the thoughts constantly replay in her mind, she shifts side-to-side in her chair; trying very hard to find the right words to express her feelings. "I was angry," Van Dyke said.
She explained how with more evidence of the destruction, the angrier she became. However, Van Dyke knew she had to channel her anger towards something else, something more positive. She said staying positive and raising funds are the least she could have done for the country that built the foundations for who she is as a person.
As for now, Van Dyke has been working with her church, Westminster Presbyterian, which has collected $14,172 since last Sunday, to help Haiti. Apart from collecting donations, Van Dyke and her church are also donating things to the Children of Abraham Foundation.
The Children of Abraham is a worldwide organization consisting of Jews, Christians and Muslims who give out medical supplies and emergency kits to help children all around the world.
With her family by her side, Van Dyke stays grounded and supported as she deals with this catastrophe and its impact on her family. Van Dyke says her family is as equally active in the cause to assist in Haiti's relief. The firm owned by Van Dyke's husband recently donated $20,000 to her church and she states that without his efforts it would not have been possible.
Van Dyke commends her PUC family for their efforts. She states the PUC Black Student Union and Social Justice Club, along with other organizations, will also be hosting fundraisers to help Haiti. With the many efforts and support from people all around the world, Van Dyke has come to discover there are still many misconceptions people have with Haiti. She hopes during this catastrophe people can take the time to be educated about her homeland.
"Haitian people are very proud people," she said. "We are by no means violent."
Van Dyke said that to hear some of the things that she has heard during this time of need, she feels the urgency to educate many. Van Dyke wants people to read about the Haitian history so they can get to know who and what Haiti represents. She mentioned that 14 days after the earthquake, Haitians were still pulling people out from under rubble - a testament to their determination. "We are resiliant."
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