L’Union Fait La Force

It is one's own choice to overcome any difficulty and bring about their individuality -- L'union Fait la force. Haiti Week occurred November 14, 2011 until November 17, 2011. The Haitian Student Association, commonly referred to as HAS, initiated Haiti Week with three preliminary events. The Opening Ceremony was held on November 14, 2011 in the second floor in the University Center. Students from all organizations joined the HSA in honoring Haitian culture. "It is just wonderful to see members from other organizations such as the African Student Association to come out and support HSA," says Simon Akhamie, junior business management major.

Both the American and the Haitian national anthem were sung by junior psychology major, and HAS member Elkarine Mytil.  In addition speakers from Wings of Efuge, Betsy Barnett and Ryann Mickens, a freshman recreational therapy major, also spoke of Haiti during the opening ceremony. Barnett states: "After Christmas we plan on traveling to Haiti and gathering children from ten different cities. Then we will take them to one specific location and give them all Christmas presents." "It is important for students to see what Haiti has gone through and is going through" states Samantha Kelly, senior communications major, and president of HSA.  

On November 16, 2011 at 8 p.m. HSA hosted their Comedy Night in the Cougar's Den. Harry De LaTour, junior communications major, and his cousin Malherbe Jean hosted the affair, alongside DJ OK -- whom amped up the students in the room. The event consisted of different comedians, not only from Kean University but also others outside of the state. Joe Patru constantly mentioned how nervous he was in front of his audience. As soon as he began to relate to his audience, the atmosphere completely changed. "My father says ‘Ya' for every little thing -- even for every emotion -- ‘Ya, Ya, Ya!' " explains Patru with laughter. Other comedians such as REGGIE and Haitian Jones contributed to the excitement that the audience was exhibiting. "HSA wanted to create a week in which students would be able to honor, laugh and relax while on campus -- and that is exactly what we planned" Kelly explained with a smile. On November 17, 2011 HAS ended their Haiti week by holding a "game night" in the University Center's game room at 8 p.m. "We had a lot of support throughout the week" explains HSA member and senior psycology major Genevieve Auguste. She continued "it was a big turnout and more than enough people came out to our events."

Haiti Week is an annual event that HSA takes much pride in organizing. "We want to keep Haiti alive on campus" explains Kelly. "Even though there are those who are not in Haiti, they have Haiti within them" stated HSA's executive board Vice president Roodinz Vital, a junior criminal justice major.

Kelly encourages all students to attend one of their upcoming meetings in order to better understand what HSA is all about. "Nothing should intimidate students from joining HSA.  We want the whole campus to be involved with us," says Kelly. HSA have their regular meetings every Monday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the UC room 337A. If there are any questions of concerns, feel free to visit their Cougar Link page http://kean.collegiatelink.net/organization/hsa