1. How did you come to Evergreen?
Well I came to Evergreen 5 years ago. I started out teaching Spanish and working in the 1st grade. And soon after that, I started doing EE. But my very first job here was teaching Spanish and working in the 1st grade. And I came here because the past director, Dr. Jackie Williams. The director before Susan is a good friend of mine, and we had worked together in different ways as educators for 20 or more years. So that’s why she knew me. And so, that’s how I came.
2. What got you into learning about nature?
I have always been interested in nature. I mean really, since I was born! Since I was a little little girl I’ve always loved animals. Even as a baby I loved animals. And I was always outdoors whenever I could be. And they say that different people have different intelligences. Like some people have intelligence for, let’s say, looking at things spatially, or some people have intelligence for music. It’s what people are kind of born with. And I think that what I was born with is a naturalist. Because I’ve always been this way & I’ve always just wanted to learn more and more and more about nature, and I still do!
3. Can you tell me about a time when you were a kid that’s about your love of nature?
I was always picking up animals as a child and bringing them home and one time I got bitten by a stray dog, and that was at a time when rabies was really prevalent. Back then they didn’t have a vaccination, so you had to get these terrible shots in your stomach with a really long needle. But there was no way to tell if I had rabies or not. It was kind of interesting, I was only 5, and I lived! So, I don’t have rabies. But I remember I always had a secret place in nature where I could go and have my quiet time. And, like, it was maybe under a bush. I remember I used to climb trees and get stuck sometimes but I grew up by the water. I was always always out there.
4. When was the first time you went to Haiti?
1998 with my sister.
5. Did you feel nervous the first time?
I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t really nervous, but it’s that I was so affected emotionally. And I think anyone who goes there will feel the same way. And not to mention I fainted, twice because it was so hot and I didn’t know it was going to be that hot or that I had to drink a lot of water. And so I learned that you have to keep drinking water. People being cut open in the OR (operating room) didn’t bother me, but my heart was affected. It’s hard to go and know that we have so much and they have so little.
6. What do you do when you go to Haiti? What specifically?
I help my sister in the OR & so that means I do whatever she needs. I’m an assistant.
7. Do you do anything besides work at the hospital?
Yes. I always go into the village. I like the children a lot. Sometimes I go to the schools and bring stuff to them like supplies. & I always do an eyeglass clinic, passing out free reading glasses. But I mostly work at the hospital.
8. What was one of the most surprising parts about Haiti?
How beautiful it is! Even though a lot of it has been deforested. But it really is a beautiful country. And it’s full of mountains. They are steeper than the mountains here. People farm on those mountains.
9. What was the hardest experience that you’ve gone through in Haiti?
I’ve seen children die, I’ve seen babies die, and I’ve seen men have their leg amputated. It’s just like a horrible thing. But I’ve also seen a lot of people who would’ve died, get help. And really, a lot more people get help then die. But sometimes there’s nothing that can be done in Haiti.
10. How do you stay positive when there’s so much pain around you?
Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive when there’s so much pain. It’s really upsetting. But the people in Haiti are so strong and faithful and they care so much about their families and they have to go through so much but still be joyful. I try to not pay attention to the pain.
11. What does it feel like when you come back to Asheville?
It is always very hard to come back. Especially going to the grocery store, and stuff like that. I guess I always go through a little sadness because I remember Haiti. When I get back I try to be grateful for all I have. & there’s not a day where I don’t think about Haiti.