CONNECTIONS
Koneksyon
Conexiones
Connexions
Conexões
Writings from the Rosie’s Place
Women’s Education Center, Spring 2025
Connections
Writings from the Rosie's Place Women’s Education Center
This book was created by students, volunteers and Rosie’s Place staff in partnership with our publisher.
©2025 Writing Café
Book Committee: Anabellys R., Clara P., Dayana G., Fu Ping B., Licelot B.D., Marangely R., Maria V.
Staff: Anna M., Cera S., Jamie D., Maria P.A., Pauline J., Rebecca M.
Volunteers: Ajmain Z., Alexandra L., Alison B., Allison I., Anina F., Elizabeth D., Ella P., Jane G., Leslie W., Lidia R., Makayla A., Manjia K., Marlen G., Ruby G., Samadhi W., Sara R., Sruthi S., Steve W., Susan W., Tina G.
Interior Design: John Rodzvilla, Sophie Hartstein, and the Emerson College Pub Lab.
Cover Design: Sandra S. Smithers
Publisher: Bridgeport National Bindery
We also thank the entire Rosie’s Place community for their support!
We dedicate this book to people who may want to connect or reconnect with their traditions, family and friends. We also dedicate this book to the teachers who have given us beautiful memories, corrected our mistakes and helped us improve our English.
Rosie’s Place gives us the opportunity to meet people from different countries, cultures and traditions. All women are welcome and invited to study English at Rosie’s Place!
Rosie’s Place is like a second home to us.
CONNECTIONS THROUGH CULTURE
United and Happy
Massiel S.
My favorite holidays are Independence Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas. I celebrate Independence Day on February 27 and Mother’s Day on May 30.
I celebrate Mother’s Day with my mother and my sisters as a family at home. My mother is named Damaris and my sisters are Zuleika and Mariela. It is important because I can share the day with my family and friends. I remember that on Mother’s Day I gave my mother her gift and she really liked the flowers and the beer. The flowers were red. The beer was called “Presidente.”
I love my family because we are united and happy.
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tHings i Like
Elisabeth J.J.
I like coffee because it’s hot. I like bananas because they taste good. I like beans because they make me strong. I like chicken because it’s good. I like rice because it makes me strong. I like onion soup. It makes my belly full. I don’t like pork or bacon. My favorite food is fish because it’s good. I like plantains because they make me happy. My favorite drink is water.
i drink Coffee every Morning
Alourde D.
I like vegetables. They are good for my body. I like coffee. I drink coffee every morning. My eyes are not good. Coffee makes it better. I like chicken wings. I made chicken breast last week. I was not cooking yesterday. I like wheat bread and green tea. I put milk in my green tea. I like that a lot too.
independenCe day in Haiti
Jacqueline P.D.
On the first of January, we eat pumpkin soup. We celebrate every year. It is important because January 1, 1804, is the day we got our independence. Since then, we are free.
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noCHe BUena
Germallony
S.
Noche Buena is always on December 24, because it is the day we are cooking and sharing with friends and special people like my family. At the end of the day, we were eating the food and talking about all that we did in the past year. The dinner looks like the same food we eat for Thanksgiving, but more food. We eat the same food every year. We eat rice, pasta, chicken, bread, lasagna, pastelón and other food.
In the past, we used to go to my grandma’s house because all my family lived in the Dominican Republic, but now we can’t go because we are living in Boston, MA. Except my grandma. Last year, I was at my boyfriend’s house because all my family is living in the United States.
This is my favorite tradition and my favorite holiday.
CHinese new year eve
Fu Ping B.
Chinese New Year Day is the most important holiday in China. All people celebrate the holiday. The celebration starts on the Eve of Chinese New Year Day. Everyone is very busy on the Eve.
Every family in China will get together on the Eve. All family members return back home, even if they are very far away from home. Almost all would take a long break. The train or airplane tickets are so much more expensive than normal but still would be sold out for the holiday season.
When the family gathers together, everyone is very joyful and talkative. They talk, eat, share news and tell jokes. They laugh together and do many things on the Eve.
On the Eve, almost all families put red couplets on the door. The front of the couplet is neat and tidy with auspicious wishes, like, “Wish you good health and happiness!” “Wish you great fortune in the New Year!” “Wish you a thriving business!” When people meet each other and say, “May all your wishes come true!”
On the Eve, families hand-make dumplings, which is a traditional dinner. Family members make dumplings together that are fun and meaningful.
The elders prepare “Hong Bao” which are red envelopes with money for kids. We call it “Lucky Money.” Kids will get “Hong Bao” on Chinese New Year Day. They are so happy, over the moon.
In the middle of the night, people set off fireworks that light up the night with beautiful colors to celebrate the New Year coming. People say, “Happy Spring Festival” to each other!
This year, the Chinese New Year Day was on January 29th. This year is the year of the snake.
speCiaL doMiniCan MeaL for Me and My faMiLy
Maria V.
In my family we have a special Dominican meal. We enjoy eating pork and drinking eggnog. So, every Christmas Eve, we prepare a special baked pork.
It was at my home because we met up with all my family in my house. Also, I felt happy and proud because together we were preparing the special food, seasoning it, laughing, and drinking eggnog.
In every house in the Dominican Republic, it’s common to meet the family on Christmas Eve. So, I really enjoy inviting my friends and cousins to my house, eating a special Dominican meal, and dancing.
In addition, my baked pork was delicious because we seasoned it very well, and in the eggnog I added rum because in my country it’s typical to add rum. It’s my special meal and time of the year.
| Writings from the Women’s education center, 2025
vaLentine’s day
Raquel
A.
Let’s talk about the most special day and most important one for the lovers. When the lovers start their relationship, they wait together to celebrate this day. They go to the stores to buy the best gift to please each other.
The people celebrate between friends and partners. Hence it’s a good day for all. Many people celebrate their birth that day. Hence there are a lot of economic movements.
Many people show their love with clothes with red colors in their body or hair. Businesses take advantage of this day because it increases their sales. In conclusion, on this day people feel encouragement and good emotions to show affection for loved ones.
i Like everytHing
Solange D.
I like ice cream, apples, potatoes, bananas, bread, pasta, fish, kiwi and tea. I like everything. I don’t like onion, papaya, coffee, shrimp, oatmeal or corn. My favorite foods are fish, plantains, bananas, rice, and soup. I like everything. My favorite drinks are tea and water. There is nothing I do not want to try.
food and drinks
Teresa R.
I like different food like fruits, vegetables, grains, apples, blueberries, fish, celery, and cabbage. I don’t like pork because it is not good. My favorite food is soup with fish and vegetables. My favorite drink is apple juice. I want to try dancing and cooking.
JULy 4
Alfida B.
On July 4, my family and friends visited me. For me it was a sad day because my parakeet Thalia left me. My neighbor shot fireworks and she flew from my home. My heart broke; I cried. This day, I was cooking rice, meat and salad. I also prepared cheesecake and sweet fruits.
July 4 is one beautiful celebration because a lot of people share and they meet as a family. Some families decorate their houses with flowers, American flags and balloons. If you live in the U.S., you celebrate every holiday, specifically July 4 with fireworks. Enjoy life, it can be short or long.
i Love food
Josefina D.
I love food and drinks. I like ice cream. I like corn, beans, rice and beef. I like apple juice. I don’t like pasta. I like everything. There is nothing I don’t like. My favorite food is rice and beans. My favorite drink is apple juice. I like to cook and my daughters do too.
aBoUt Me
My name is Juana P. My country is the Dominican Republic. My favorite foods are rice, beans and chicken. My favorite colors are blue and white. I like to cook. I like to watch T.V.
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Juana P.
CHinese new year
Feng Ming D.
The Chinese New Year is a big celebration in China. When the Chinese New Year comes, I am always very excited. This year’s Chinese New Year was celebrated on the 29th of January 2025. Many Chinese people living in the United States celebrate the New Year. Usually, the whole family comes home to share food and drinks. The food on the table is usually traditional Chinese food, of course. The main ingredients are always fish and meat, paired with delicious dishes.
The New Year’s Eve dinner is an important reunion dinner. After dinner, the elders in the family usually give red envelopes to the children of the relatives. So, I’m very happy to celebrate Chinese New Year!
deLiCioUs food
Kerline J.
I like vegetables, black beans and white beans. I like fish, carrots, rice, potatoes and bananas. I don’t like beef or pizza. My favorite foods are vegetables, fish, salad, apples and berries. I don’t like drinks. I want to try ice cream.
on new year’s day
Mary P.
On New Year’s Day in my country we will celebrate the new year with family. We will cook food and drink. We cook vegetables and visit friends. We will connect and speak and talk with family with happiness and love.
| Writings from the Women’s education center, 2025
a teaCHer Learns engLisH
Carmen A.R.
I am from the Dominican Republic. It is beautiful with beaches, nice people and more. I studied education of children in the Dominican Republic, and I graduated in the year 2019. It was a big achievement for me and for my daughter. I like to go to the Catholic Church.
I live in Dorchester, Massachusetts and I study English here in Rosie’s Place. They help people study English and computers and other things. Thanks for the opportunity and help!
tHings i Love
Askale H.
Friends
Apple
Mother
Ice cream
Lost, Light
Yellow
Writings
Family, Facebook
Relate
Indeed
Egg
Never
Dog
Sunshine
faMiLy CHristMas
Dayana G.
In Venezuela, our best tradition is to celebrate together as a family. It is the day where Christmas is celebrated, the birth of the child God. We like to dance, talk and meet again as a family and share cultures.
These dates are very important for the Venezuelans since it is a union family that eats hallaca, ham, bread, chicken, salad and we drank a lot of cream punch at Christmas. People are very happy.
Those dates are as important as December 24 and 31 because we connect all the family and friends. For me at the moment, the most important thing in these years is because I can see all my family happy, dancing, singing and cooking.
Christmas for us is very sacred, it gives us the joy of sharing with our family.
independenCe day in Haiti
Chrismene M.
Independence Day in my country, Haiti, is on January first. All Haitians celebrate this tradition. We celebrate this day because it is very important for all Haitians. This is the day of independence, the day we became the first independent Black state in the world. The revolution was a result of a long-fought slave revolt against French colonial rule.
The famous dish of Independence Day is “Soupe Joumou.” Soupe Joumou is a traditional dish consumed on January first to celebrate the country’s liberation from French colonial rule in 1804.
speCiaL day
Julienne P.
My tradition is Independence Day on January 1st. I celebrate at my home and with my family. It is important because it is Haiti’s Independence Day. I like dancing. I like church. I like champagne, rice and beans and chicken. I go to church on January 1st. It is my Independence Day, my tradition.
When I wake up, I pray. With all my family cleaning my house. We go to church together. When we come back home we prepare a good soup as our tradition, with some scratch garden vegetables and some meats, and some beef stew. We enjoy.
My family and I go visit my friends. When we’re back we prepare a dinner, have champagne and some special drinks we make for the tradition and have nice music. We watch some movies; sometimes we sing some special songs as our tradition. And get ready for bed.
Happy in Boston
Martha O.
I am happy living in Boston, MA. I am from El Salvador. The first time I come to Rosie’s Place was to learn to speak English. I need to speak two languages to get American citizenship. Now I am American. Thanks Rosie’s Place. God Bless America.
traditions
Josefina T.P.
The tradition is Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Love is friendship. I celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10th.
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Bertine P.
Bible
Exercise
Respectful
Thoughtful
Interest
Natural
Encouraging
Peaceful
a dinner witH My faMiLy
Aslhy D.
On Noche Buena, part of my family goes to my aunt’s house. We have dinner together and share stories about life. We listen to music and the next day we open the gifts of Christmas. After that, my mom, my sister and I go to our home. The next day we go to my aunt’s house again to stay with the family together. In my house I don’t do too much because it is too late so I just use my phone a little, then fall asleep. The next day we clean my room and after that we go to my aunt’s house. Then we listen to music like bachata, salsa and others. And at the end of the day, we go to my house with my mom and sister. That day we eat chicken with rice and soda and other types of food. I look forward to this holiday every year.
faMiLy and friends CeLeBrate CHristMas
Kethiana B.
I celebrate Christmas with my family and friends because it’s a tradition and I like it. On Christmas my family cooks a traditional Christmas meal. For example: my family cooks foods like baked pork leg, salad and coconut flan and cake for dessert. We drink soda and wine. Everyone in my family sits and listens to Christmas music in French and English.
I visited my friend who lives in New York. After that, I enjoyed watching TV. I watch the news, I watch programs in English because I like to hear and practice the pronunciation of new words to expand my vocabulary.
I visited the Statue of Liberty in New York with my friend after I went to the park. I had an unforgettable time with my friend and I really enjoyed the time I spent with them.
I love celebrating Christmas with my family and my friends. I have three brothers and four sisters. They are really important in my life and I love them.
HoLidays
Lekaira M.
The traditions I like to celebrate are: Carnival, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day and Valentine’s Day. I celebrate these special days with my family and my friends.
The different traditions are celebrated on these days: Carnival is celebrated in February, Mother’s Day is in May, Valentine’s Day is in February and Father’s Day is in July. I celebrate in the park and in the streets. It’s important to celebrate in order not to lose these traditions.
The most special day for me and my family is Mother’s Day. On the last Sunday of May, every year we celebrate with our mother. We come together with friends and family at my house and we have a big party.
CONNECTIONS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
different teCHnoLogy
Yvette D.
D is for donut
I is for ice cream
F is for family
F for friend
E is for education
R is for real
E is for Evena, my daughter
N is she is nice
T is for nice teacher
T is for teacher
E is for education
C is for cat
H is for Haiti
N is for number
O is for organization
L is for learn
O is for oh my
G is for good
Y is for Yvette
My teCHnoLogy
Dominga M.
I stay connected by texting, email, calling, using social media and writing letters. I use messaging apps and social media to share moments, our feelings, jokes and memes.
My smartphone keeps me connected, helps with work and is a source of entertainment. It is easy to use Facebook, text, and type. I like TikTok and WhatsApp.
apps, faMiLy and friends
Anabellys R.
This year the students of Rosie’s Place learned about connections, and one of the lessons was about how to use the technology to connect with friends and family. This was something very interesting for me, because at this time, there are many applications (apps) that we use to stay connected with family, classmates and friends. In my case, I use a lot of WhatsApp and Zoom.
Sometimes, when I need to talk with my family in the Dominican Republic or other countries (I have aunties and cousins in Spain and Holanda), I call them or send messages by WhatsApp. I usually send special texts in the morning and call them when they have time off, but sometimes it is difficult because of different time zones.
On WhatsApp, I have special group chats for family and friends. The family group is separated in three: one are all the members, in the second only the cousins (3rd generation) and the last, my uncles and aunties. We try to be connected
all the time, especially when we need to know about the health of one family member or on birthdays and special anniversaries.
In the case of my childhood, primary, and high school classmates, we have a group chat. It is titled “Ex-Compañero—la Chercha.” In the group chat, we talk about our memories, family, news and many things.
In this chat, my friend Waldo is the person that writes and talks all the time, and when he feels that we are disconnected, he sends us funny voice messages and tries to create a reaction about things that happened recently. He is the backbone of the group.
Another member of the chat “Ex-compañeros— la Chercha” is Vily. She is a good friend that was with me in difficult moments of my life and when I feel disconnected, she calls me and helps me a lot.
For that reason, I think that the applications (apps) help us to be connected with family and friends and we need to learn more about it. I used WhatsApp and Zoom (for meetings), but there are many apps that you can use to be connected.
teCHnoLogy for My Life
Nerlande T.
I communicate with my family through technology. My family and my friends like WhatsApp to call directly. I have not seen my family using my phone because war is in my country.
I use technology every day. I use my mobile phone and it connects me. Sometimes I like to unplug from technology to get everything done, like cleaning or grocery shopping. One thing that has become easier to learn is the mobile phone. Once you use it, it becomes easier. The prediction about the future of technology is that it will help make housekeeping easier. Robots will help humans. I love to use technology on my mobile. Thank you to my God for giving me my health.
My Life on soCiaL Media
Licelot B.D.
Every day I connect with my friends and family from social media using WhatsApp video calls. They don’t live with me, and for that reason I call every day. They are happy all the time when I call them. I miss my family. Also, technology is my life because it is very addictive and takes all my time in the day.
TikTok is very addictive and entertaining and you can see all lifestyles and all different cultures from every country. It is a big connection. Also, when you really finish and you check the time, it’s been a long time, a very long time. All that happens in the world you can see on TikTok and I think is a very important app in social media.
I make videos every day and I post in the TikTok app. I like it when people see my videos because I think that people can see my culture and my talent.
I selected my social media name because in some place I read that the Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation. I used the translation in Spanish as my social media name.
How teCHnoLogy Has CHanged HUManity
Lucy N.
When I was growing up in Cameroon in the 1960s, I saw cars, radios, wall clocks, airplanes and so many other things, they were all technology. Because people invented them.
At that time there was a lot of manual labor. People were working in their farms and in plantations, like the tea, banana, cocoa factories. Gradually, changes started coming up with production machines that reduced hard labor.
Technology has come to create a better life for everyone. And also, it has opened the eyes of people to send their children to school, to learn how to work with technology in the future. I never knew I could ever learn how to use a computer without education. My late husband was working as a typist. His job was to write and type letters and to process documents. All this made work too hard, and it took a long time.
Later computers came, and my late husband wanted our second son to go college and study computer science. As the years went by, changes came, and computers made it easier for production of office documents. There’s software now that is able to handle financial records and keep them for a long time.
With the use of technology, there is radiographic equipment that checks and diagnoses illness in a patient, and software can suggest medication.
In the past people did the traditional method of going to school and sitting in a classroom and getting lectures from a teacher. But technology has brought virtual classrooms where one can study from anywhere. You can get admission into a school, without going to the school campus. Or you sit at home and study on Zoom with friends or with a teacher. I did that during the Covid-19 pandemic. I studied online with Cell-Ed on my cell phone from 2021-2022.
In the past, people had to carry money—huge amounts that would expose them to the risk of thieves or armed robbers. But with the use of technology, one can sit in their comfort zone
Technology created mobile phones that have brought connection to the whole world and brought mankind together as one. It has brought a lot of good to humanity. You can reach out to friends and families no matter the distance in just a few seconds. People can study from different countries without traveling. Money can go across borders without any problems. Technology has also created a lot of jobs worldwide.
There is a bad side of technology, for as much as we see everything good in technology. Technology has created more thieves (scammers). These are the people who sit on the other end and make themselves to be agents of schools, banks, friends or family members to get money from innocent people.
With technology there are a lot of fake people, so many people have fallen into the hands of those fake people and have suffered great loss. It is not good to share your private information on social media. We have to be careful with the
42 | Writings from the Women’s education center, 2025 and transfer money to any location in the world. Also, in the past, the local media was the press, newspaper, radio and television.
people we meet on social media. Don’t make friends with people that you don’t know, not everything on social media is true.
Thanks to Rosie’s Place, by becoming homeless and lost, I was connected to education and technology, I could use a cell phone, and I have learned to use the computer to type my story. I can also send text messages to my children and my family members. I can take pictures and send them to my children.
I say thank you to technology. You just need to be connected, and you are on the go! Technology has broken the barriers of lies, helping those who couldn’t speak up for themselves, living in silence for years upon years. God bless America!
My CeLL pHone is neCessary
Marie W.C.
I stay connected with my friends and family on social media or by phone. My cell phone is my favorite means of communication. The cover of my phone has flowers. It makes it easy to connect with friends and family. I feel like I can’t live without my phone because it keeps me connected. I need it for work. When I unplug, I like to hang out with my friends.
easy or Hard?
Marinise J.
The telephone is easy to use. I like it because it’s easier than the computer. I do not like using the radio. I want to learn the computer.
teCHnoLogy
Marie Z.
Television
Electricity
Computer
Hack
Number
On/Off
Laptop
Off
Yes
I like technology because it is helpful. I use a telephone.
ConneCtion witH My faMiLy
Clara P.
I have connection by cellphone with my family. I talk to my grandchildren every day in Spanish and in English. I speak different words to learn the words in English with my grandchildren. I always use Facebook and talk with my friends, and I use it because I see programs.
l always want to learn the words in English, the Bible, and go to learn when l go to class at Rosie’s Place. Also, when I work and clean houses.
How i Use teCHnoLogy
Natacha B.
Telephone
Computer
Haiti Not
Number
pple
Outside Teacher
Laptop
Off
YouTube
mazon
yes, i Like teCHnoLogy
Slande P.
I like technology because I can keep my photos. I can see places I have gone. I can find recipes. I can shop for clothes. I look at YouTube for music. I have my phone right there with me. I like technology. Yes, I like it very much.
pHones, tv and CoMpUter
Wisena S.V.
Technology is easy to use. I like using my phone because it helps connect me and my family. I don’t like TV because it makes me sleepy. I want to learn the computer because it helps us with the Internet. Computers help us learn about new things.
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Teacher
End
Candy
How
Number
Organization
Lean
Oh My God
Good job
Yesterday
teCHnoLogy
Adrienne L.
My pHone
Regine A.
I think technology is very important. Without it, the world would be broken. I never want to live without my phone because I start every day with it and it helps me with my work. My work schedule is on my phone, my bus schedule is on my phone. I can’t leave my home without my phone because the Uber application and my Bible application are on my phone. I also can’t live without connection to my family. I have a lot of things on my phone.
teCHnoLogy and Me
Isabel A.
I like technology because it connects me with my friends and family. I use Messenger, text and WhatsApp.
I shop online to save time. My favorite technology is my phone, because I can communicate with my family in Santo Domingo. I can search for important information. I search for the time, addresses and some reading articles. It is not difficult for me to do technology.
I think AI is important for learning, growth and future. It opens a new path.
My pHone is great
Marie Ange J.G.
I like technology because it holds so much information. I can find my way with the map. When I wake up, I get my phone. I text my sister Chrisphonie and my mother Saint Anne.
I like to shop online. I like to shop for a blouse, pants, and a coat. I can explain to others how great my phone is.
wHy i Like teCHnoLogy
Sonia S.
I like technology because it connects me with family and friends. My phone is smart. I talk to my husband and Mary on my cell phone.
How i ConneCt
Guylene A.
A phone is easy to connect me with my family and friends. For my mom especially, because I call her almost every day. My mom lives in my home country Haiti. I have not been back in Haiti for more than 7 years.
I don’t see her so the phone is very important. For my friends I text with them and give them a video call; this option is very good for me to see them.
I use a tablet when I have a Zoom meeting. The technology is the best option to keep updated in the world. Tablets, laptops, and phones are my favorites.
Unplugging is not a good option for me because when I connect it keeps me updated with my family and the rest of the world. The information helps to save my life and my kids’ connection to keep me confident in my relationships in my family and my community.
teCHnoLogy is easy and Hard to Use
Johanna F.
It is easy to use my phone. I like using my phone, my TV and tablet because I like using the English connection on my phone.
I don’t like using the computer. I don’t understand the computer; it makes it very difficult for me.
I want to learn English very perfect because I need to learn English to have good jobs.
i Like teCHnoLogy
Idovane M.
I like technology, the Internet, Google, computers, phones, electricity, and laptops. I use them every day. I do exercises and it makes me stronger at typing. It also keeps me connected.
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tHe ConneCtion witH faMiLy is iMportant
Mercedes A.
I stay connected with my brother. My sons call my cellular every weekend. Yes, I call with my cellular to help me connect with family in faraway places with YouTube, etc. My cellular is more important. I don’t want any more for now.
Technology was difficult when I was learning computers. I know it is very important but, I will buy one next year to learn how to use a computer. And after buying and practicing. I will learn more English.
aBoUt stepHane
Stephane D.
T- Together, Tiktok
E- Electricity, Exchange
C- Computer, Connection
H- Hello, Hot Spot
N- Network
O- Online, Option, Offline
L- Like, Line, Lawrence
O- Organizing
G- Global, Game, Grandma
Y- You, YouTube
CONNECTIONS THROUGH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
My Best friend, My daUgHter Leiby G.
My best friend is Leslie D., my daughter. She lives in the Dominican Republic. We met when she was born in the Dominican Republic. She is my everything, my daughter. We are best friends because she is the one who is always with me in my worst and best moments. She is the love of my life.
She is my dream girl. l wanted so much to have a girl and God granted her to me. l thank him so much for having her. She is two years old. Her favorite color is pink and her favorite food is pizza. Her favorite way to play is to draw.
My Best friend Maria
Teline D.
Maria is my best friend because we go to school together, we work together, and she is my neighbor. I like Maria because I can trust her. Maria is a good person. I love her very much and she loves me. Last week she asked me, “How are you, did you have a good week?” I said, “Yes, I am good.” She always communicates with me. Maria is beautiful. She has long black hair, and she has blue eyes, she has black eyebrows. She has a long nose.
Someone invited my friend Maria to go to church, she did not accept the invitation. I asked her why. She said to me it was because I am the 1st person that talked to her about God. I explained to her God loves everyone.
Maria has siblings, has a husband, has children, she has grandparents, she has a good family. Last week I invited everyone from Maria’s family to a party. The family was happy.
ConneCtion witH faMiLy
Ana P.
I am connected with my family and friends with my cell phone technology and computer and WhatsApp. Everyday I have predictions about future technology that is very good. Do you have any? One kind of technology is used to reach family in faraway places.
ConneCtion witH neigHBors
Aissatou S.
I have many family here and children living at home. Kip Tiernan’s grandmother already had plenty of friends to feed, but she always gave food to those who knocked on her children’s door.
aLways ConneCted
Louseline Z.
I have two friends. Their names are Nadia and Nadine. These are the best friends for me in Haiti. We went to school together to study. We went to church together and prayed to God to bless and protect our friends. We became sisters and after a few years, Nadine and I traveled to the USA. Nadia stayed in Haiti. I am living in Boston and my friend is in New York. We will always stay connected.
My Best friend teofiLa
Eunice V.
My best friend is Teofila. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts. We met at work. She is a special person for me. We are best friends because she is nice and good. She is funny. On weekends we get together and go shopping. We watch a movie together and have something to eat. We eat pizzas, rice and green beans.
My Best friend CorLar
Jeanne S.
She is from Canada. How are you my friend? How is your family? My friend is Corlar. She speaks French and English. She lives with family and friends.
My favorite faMiLy MeMBer
Junie C.
My favorite family member is my son. My son’s name is Herman Sylvestre. My son Herman was born on August 15th in Haiti. After he was born, I brought him home. I love my son so much. He loves me too, and he loves my daughter.
At church we pray. When I come to school, I pray to God. I love to read the service every Sunday. Everybody likes the service. My preacher likes me so much. My community is in Medford. Everybody is from a different country.
friends and faMiLy
Stella K.
Friends and family are very important and also friends are part of everyone in life.
I like to say that. I love my friends and family. In my country Tanzania I have a big family. My mom and my dad, but they passed away. They gave birth to seven children and made one family. So, I have two sisters including me which makes three and we have four brothers. All of us have been married, and everyone in my family has got children. For me, I gave birth to six children, two daughters and four sons. Now I have one daughter and four sons. The first born was a daughter. She passed away. In Tanzania I have four, but here in the U.S I have one son with his wife and two children, a boy and a girl.
All of us in my family love friends. And everyone has got friends. We love friends. We made friends in different ways like when we take a walk outside. Maybe by going to the store to buy food and other things which we like to buy. And going to the hotel to have lunch, either going to the park, sometimes going to
the beach to swim or going to other places in summer to see families. In doing these things we made new friends.
We thank God that in my family we have made good friends. Our friends are good, kind, from in their heart and they have good behavior. And we have friendship together. Sometimes they come to our house to do things together like cooking food to eat, playing games and making fun with them and laughing and becoming happier. We have been doing many important things with our friends to organize companies and help people have jobs for making better lives. Sometimes in my family we take friends to the hotel to get lunch or to the beach to swim together and other things like that.
I have told you how we made friends in our family in different ways. Now let me tell you how I made a new good friend. I remember that time when I made a new friend. It was afternoon. I went to a hotel to have lunch. The hotel is not far away from my house so there I met a beautiful woman. Her name is Victoria. She came and sat together at the table with me, and we talked together and we had food to eat. We talked about many fun stories. She loves me and I love
her, and after that she gave me her telephone number and she took my phone number. On that day I got a new good friend. She came to my house and I also went to her house. We do many things together like cooking food to eat and we take walks to different places together.
I have made a good friend. She has good behavior and she loves God like me. On Sunday she likes to go to the church to worship God with me. My church is near a big park and a big library. Sometimes me and my friend can talk and walk to the church and other days I go with my friend to the library to read books. So in my family we love our friends and our friends love family. God bless our friends and my family. Thank You.
My reLationsHip witH My faMiLy
Crodya S.C.
My name is Crodya. I’m 21 years old and I live in Boston, Massachusetts. I came here three months ago and already technology has helped me stay connected with my family and friends. I use frequently the social media, for example the WhatsApp and Facebook, to communicate with them because these apps help us stay connected faster and easier. Technology has helped me break the barrier of distance and everything has been cooler. It has not been easy, these months away from home, but thanks to the technology that always keeps me in communication with family, I am trying not to feel so sad. We like to hang out and know how to talk about everything, share ideas and talk a little about my new experiences. I hope my family calls me on video call for my 22nd birthday, that would be a very nice moment and would make me feel closer to them.
My Best friend stepHanie
Mirtha P.
My best friend is Stephanie. She lives in Lawrence. We met at school. She is very nice and happy. We are best friends because we are always united for anything we need and adversity. Our friendship is unconditional. Stephanie is very understanding.
i Love My faMiLy
Marie C.
My daughters live in Boston. They do work for me—they clean my house, wash the dishes and take out the trash. I love my daughters. They are good to me. I take care of my grandchildren. They are younger. I love my family.
faMiLy is everytHing
Amelia S.
Father Family
Auntie Rosie’s Place
Mother I love you, friend I miss my family Everything
Love New
You, I love you Day, Sunday Saturday
My Best friend
Marie S.P.
I like my best friend. Her name is Elisabeth. I see her twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. We talk on the phone every day. When I see her, we hug and kiss on the cheek. I am happy when we are together. I like Elisabeth because she is cool and nice. We take care of each other.
My faMiLy is My Best friend
Marie V.J.
My family is my best friend. I see them every day. I talk to them quite often. I say hello with a hug. I love my family in Haiti. I love my family in Boston. Both places are the same things to me.
My Best friend is yoLande Syndie P.
My best friend is Yolande. She is my mom. She lives in Haiti. I love my mom very, very much. She has light skin color. Her eyes are black and white. She has beautiful hair. Her hair color is black and white. She is a good person. She likes to cook. She is a good mother to her children. I don’t have enough words to be able to talk about my mother. I’m the last child and I can’t wait to see her face to face because I miss her very much. It’s been seven years since I’ve seen her face to face. For more information, my mother has four children—three girls and one boy. I love my best friend!
CaroLina Bianca A.
My best friend is named Carolina. She lives in the Dominican Republic. I met her on February 27th in Bani. She has black hair and brown eyes. We get along well. She is a good person. My friend is Dominican, and we met in a resort: The Bavarian in Punta Cana.
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My Best friend dina Qi Rong H.
My best friend is Dina. She lives in Boston. We met in China. She is tall and has black hair. She likes dancing and watching TV. She is very nice. We played together in China. She has two girls. Their names are Amy and Judy. Dina can speak English very well. She likes reading books. We all like her.
greeting friends
Eridania R.
My best friend is Leuteria. I see her almost every day. I talk to Leuteria on the phone every day. I greet her with a hug and a kiss. Leuteria lives in Boston, she works in Newton, and her sisters live in Rhode Island. When I came to the U.S., I was surprised at how people are with their friends. In U.S. there is no time for friends.
Angeline M.
My best friends are Kenline and Juleson. I see Kenline every day. Juleson I don’t see. I talk to Juleson every day on the phone. I greet them with a hug and a kiss. In Haiti friends greet each other with a hug and a kiss, just like in the U.S..
kenLine and JULeson
My Best friend ana Martha M.
My best friend is Ana. She lives in Jamaica Plain. We met on Albany Street in Boston, MA. She has brown skin, black eyes and black hair. We are best friends because we speak the same language and we are from the same country. She is a very good person. We went to the store together and went out to eat together. She has children: three daughters and three sons.
My two Best friends
Felicia O.
My best friends are my God and my children who are my family. I talk to my God all the time and l call my children on the telephone all the time. Every day in the morning l call them on my phone before they go to school or they call me too. My God is the first; l will talk to God when l wake up in the morning.
After that I will do my prayer before any other things. I have not seen my children and grandchildren for the past five years. I call them on the phone. When I call my children and grandchildren, I kiss them and they kiss me too. They will say grandma we love you and I say I love you back.
When I came to the U.S the people didn’t greet me, they were looking at me, they opened their teeth to me. But they did not greet me. When me and my daughter went to see our friends some of them were greeting me.
When we go to church, l see many people. Some of them do not greet me but some of them greet me.
When my twin grandchildren talk to me on the phone, one of them tells the housekeeper don’t talk to her, she is my grandmother. l love my grandmother and my grandmother loves us too.
My History
Marie D.G.
I’m Gelus. I am Haitian. I’m a student at Rosie’s Place. But I have lived in the USA since November 2023, more specifically in Massachusetts in the city of Boston. My family lives in Haiti, in the city of Fort-Liberte. It’s the biggest town in Haiti.
I have a mother, five sisters and three brothers. My father died in 2000. My family is Christian. Every Sunday they are at the church to pray to God. My mother always does the Rosary.
I have a sister and a brother who live in the capital at Port-au-Prince. In January 2024, he was shot in the chest while he was at home. Now he’s fine.
I am a very cool person. I live in an apartment. We are Haitians and Dominican. They are my family. I have a boyfriend and he is a true friend to me.
I like to learn and read. My boyfriend encourages me to speak in English for a job. I like to read the newspaper, for the stories.
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In our tradition the children respect the elders. Every day of the year, we always have to be with the family to cook the Soup of Joumou. It’s a soup which symbolizes the independence of the Haitian people. In short, I love my classmates and my teachers at Rosie’s Place.
My Best friend yanCeL
Ysabel F.
My best friend is Yancel. She lives in the Dominican Republic. We met in the Dominican Republic. She lives in the Dominican Republic. We are friends because we have a sincere relationship. She is my neighbor of 30 years and a sister of the church. She is a trustworthy and friendly person.
My friend vaste
Marie P.
My best friend is Vaste. I see Vaste two times a week, on the weekend. I talk to Vaste every day on the phone. I hug Vaste when I see him. In my country, Haiti, we greet each other the same way as in the U.S.
My ConneCtion to My faMiLy
Marangely R.
I connect with my family through Messenger. I like Messenger because I can see videos of my family and have a conversation. I have different conversations with my family. We talk about the food, clothes and progress of my grandchildren’s studies. I am very happy when I connect through Messenger with my family. The technology is good for me.
Technology is important for my grandson’s studies in the school, to communicate with his friends. My family is happy every time we connect on social networks. It is important to connect with friends and family and for us to be together.
My Best friend fikerte
Mekdes G.
My best friend’s name is Fikerte. I see her once a year. My friend is nice to me. She takes care of me. I like my church. We go together. At church we pray. I talk to my daughter every day. I give her a hug and a kiss. She lives in Cambridge in a nice home.
froM gUateMaLa
Santa M.P.
My best friend is Sofia. She lives in Guatemala. We met through a friend. She is very funny and she is very kind. We are best friends because we go to see movies together. We are also best friends because we love each other very much.
sofia
UnforgettaBLe trip
Jiawen L.
My niece bought the tickets in December. She asked me and her parents and together we went to Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica. The cruise ship is the biggest! On the cruise we talked, we danced, we walked and ate a lot of very delicious food. We were happy every day.
My niece is very nice. I remember we participated in various activities. My nieces got us together to watch the sunrise and sunset. Every day had different happiness. The trip was unforgettable.
santa
Yissel P.
My best friend is Santa. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts on Washington Street. My favorite time with her is when we go to restaurants to eat food and when we go to church to worship God.
We are friends because we get along. We support each other and are always there in good times and bad. We met at the train station.
BeaUtifUL BLaCk Hair
Lofanda J.
My best friend is named Anet. She lives in Boston. We like to go to restaurants. She has beautiful hair. Her hair color is black.
My Best friend MassieL
Flor D.
My best friend is Massiel. She works as a high school teacher, and she is very caring. She lives close by in Boston. I see her two days every week, but I talk to her every day. We talk on the phone. When we see each other, we hug each other. I like to hug all of my friends and family. Massiel is very smart. My friends make me more intelligent. We met in the Dominican Republic, but we both live in Massachusetts now. We have lived in Massachusetts for four years. We are happy and connected here in Massachusetts. Massiel is my best friend, and counselor. I’m happy to study at Rosie’s Place. The teachers are very good.
My Best friend, JoHn
Jeanne Y. L.
My best friend’s name is John. I like talking to him. When I see him he gives me some surprise. Sometimes I talk about Rosie’s Place and English class. He gives me a high-five. My first surprise was snow because it does not snow at all in my country. It was hard to find a job because I couldn’t even speak English and didn’t know how to take the bus and train. My best friend invited me to go to church together every Sunday. After that I go to my house to make some food. I like cooking rice and beans and chicken. It’s my favorite food.
anne Marie and Me
Johanne D.
My childhood friend’s name is Anne Marie. She was my childhood friend many years ago. I met her at 10 years old. I met Anne Marie in school.
Anne Marie is my childhood friend because I met her when I was young. I love my friend.
Anne Marie is a good friend because she helps me. Me and Anne Marie, we like music a lot and we like to go to the beach, eat a lot of fish, play balloons, jump on the coast, drink a lot of beer. We spent many careers together. We still share ideas.
tHe Best of tHe Best
Lisianne P.
My best friends are Homanal, Rony, Isaac, Valerie, Dieulie, Roussel, Dadson, Chrisnord, Adeline, Sohaib and my family. They are the best of the best, and I love them so much.
I talk to them every day on Facetime, on the phone or by text. I greet them with a hug and a kiss when I see them in person. I was surprised at how people greet each other in the U.S. because in my country we don’t greet each other the same way. My friends make me happy. Sometimes we get angry but it doesn’t last too long because I remember their kisses and hugs and remember that I love them.
good LUCk
Maria Elba M.
I came to the U.S. by good luck. I first arrived in New York. My daughter was born in New York in 1966 and my others were born in 1967 and 1975. They grew up and finished high school in Jamaica Plain and studied in community college and Boston College.
One day, someone invited my daughter, Angie, to go to church. She accepted and now continues attending church every service. She invites people too. She has a good husband and they have two daughters. One daughter is studying to be a pilot and the other daughter wants to study fashion.
God helps my family with their plans. Thank God for everything.
a day witH neLLa Marie
T.
My childhood friend is Nella. She is beautiful and a good lady. Nella was my childhood friend many years ago. I met her 30 years ago. I met Nella at her house in Boston. Nella is my childhood friend because I met her when I was young. I love my friend Nella. Nella is a good friend because she helps me cook food and supports me. I want to spend the day with her reading the Bible and praying after we cook and eat together.
tHe Best sister Paola M.
My favorite family member is my sister. Her name is Anneris. She was in the Dominican Republic. She was a dancer. My sister lives in the Dominican Republic in the city named Santiago. She is the best sister because she is a good person. She is an honest worker connected to our family.
My sister is very special to me. I have the best sister in the world because she can help my whole family be positive.
I’m happy to see my sister, she is perfect. I love my sister forever.
My Bff
Joachim R.S.
My best friend is Murielle Aseaur. She lives in Florida, but we met in Haiti. She is a nurse and she is very smart. When we are together, we go to the cinema and we talk about life. We also like to cook together.
My friend is BriLLiant Rosanny T.
My best friend is Yoselin. I see her three times a week. We are happy and connected here in Massachusetts. My friend makes me cry and she makes me laugh. My friend is brilliant. My friend helps me smile.
My friends and faMiLy
Adline C.
My family is very important to me. My mother and father are very smart because my family saved my life. I have one sister and one brother here. I have many friends because friends make me very happy every day. My family and friends listen to our favorite music together and watch TV and I enjoy the programs. I love family and friends. Thank God for big family and friends!
My Best friend is CHristine
Georges-ly J.
She lives in Mattapan. We met in English school at Rosie’s Place. We are best friends because we always go home together and come from the same place in Haiti. We are always talking on the phone. We are cool, we appreciate each other and respect each other as friends.
R.
My best friend is named Cindy. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina. We met where she works, in the hospital. She is generous. She is Black. She jokes. She has five children and one son. One daughter is married. Her husband is Wolf.
My Best friend Cindy Angelene
My Bestie
Christine G.
My best friend is Georges-ly. She lives in Dorchester. We met in school at Rosie’s Place. We know each other since one year. We are best friends because she loves me very much. When she doesn’t hear from me she calls me to know if I’m ok, to get news of my family, to know if they’re okay.
We stay connected by texting, email, calling, using social media, like Facebook, Stories, TikTok, WhatsApp, Jokers and writing letters.
And that is why she is the best friend. We will stay friends forever. She is the best. That is everything you need to know about her.
My Best friend waLter
Marie T.J.
My best friend is Walter. He lives in Mattapan. He worked in the library for three years. His skin color is black, eyes are black with white hair. He has two children, one son and one daughter. His name is Winston and his daughter’s name is Eval. I like my friend because he helps me so much.
My Best friend is Yvethe L.
Francisca. She lives in Oregon. She is a Christian. She likes organic vegetarian food. She has two children. She is my soul sister, although we do not have the same blood. She lived in my house for many years. We communicate on Facebook and WhatsApp. She doesn’t like technology very much; it’s complicated for her. She is part of my family.
faMiLy Marie P.
I have a new friend at school for English at JVS because my new friend supports me. She is like a sister.
My favorite family members are my big brother and his wife and my niece, my nephew, my auntie and my uncle and my cousin because I love my family.
My family is the dearest family in the world to me. Because my family taught me how to behave in life and advise me every day. For me, my family is my first teacher.
I love my big brother and his wife, my niece and my nephew. My niece and my nephew are like my children because they are very affectionate. We play together at home. They are happy with me. How adorable it is to live with my family.
aBoUt paULa
Paula R.
Father is very good
Apple is fruit, very healthy
Monday is New Years
I love my sons
Long is the road
Yesterday was a holiday
Family is long
Rice is healthy food
I’m important
Enter here now
Never give up
Day is beautiful
Saturday I like to sleep
