"The language has taken me some time to read.  I understand the speaking better, but it takes time to read.  Being part of this program has helped me continue my classes and meet nice people…. I want to be a person who helps others, too.  I can do this with this job.  Because of my language I can be the person who goes between both and it feels good!"

Determined, caring, and responsible are how Luz Serrano, Program Coordinator for the Maine Migrant Health Program’s Camp Health Aide Program describes Smith Pierre.  Born and raised in Haiti, Smith migrates between Florida, New Jersey and Maine each year to work in the wreath, blueberry, and sea cucumber industries.  As Smith describes, “work is never easy, but you have to do it…we all need to eat.”

Straddling two different countries and cultures is not easy, but Smith embraces the challenge with enthusiasm.  After completing a fourth grade education in Haiti, Smith is taking advantage of grade school classes offered at a local adult education center once a week.  His first step is to get his GED and then move on to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.  Smith has two young children in Haiti, Wismith and Ysmerlande.  He speaks with them often and he hopes to bring his son to the U.S. soon.

While living in a camp, Smith served as a translator and leader for the farmworkers working in the wreath industry.  He caught the eye of Luz Serrano who suspected that his passion for reading, along with his helping nature would be an asset to the Camp Health Aide Program.  In his role as Camp Health Aide, Smith translates, measures blood pressure and stops by to see how camp residents are doing.  He is especially interested in the topics of hypertension (“It’s terrible and it happens so easily and if you don’t know if you have it, you can die.”), HIV, back pain, headaches and eye problems.  Mostly, however, he just enjoys helping people!

“I consistently feel humbled by the continuous symbiotic relationships that I have developed with CHAs.  Working with Smith has been such a delight.  His constant interest in the world around him is indicative of the work ethic he strives to achieve.  I love that Smith has found an interest in furthering his education to better help the work that he does every day.  His energy is contagious!” -- Camp Health Aide Program Coordinator, Luz Serrano