My name is Maritza Grace Desroches. I was born on February 19 1994 which makes me 18 years old. I’m from Uniondale, Long island. Both of my parents are of Haitian descent. I grew up in a very strict traditional Christian household where the only three places I was allowed to go was home, church, and school. Excelling in my studies was a major emphasis it wasn’t often spoken however it was simply an expectation that I didn’t have the option to disregard. My father is an electrical engineer and pastor and my mother is a former nurse. They have been married for over 20 years. I have three older siblings, 2 sisters and a brother. My brother graduated from Five Towns College with a degree in Music Education and my oldest sister graduated from Sophie Davis and is a medical student at Downstate, my other sister is studying to be an educator.
As a child I was extremely shy and sensitive and often teased. When I told my parents they advised me to speak to the principal but I knew that wouldn’t work and I didn’t have the courage to stand up for myself. Once I got to middle school I told myself that I would no longer allow people to make me feel inferior. I became more outspoken, more confident, and more social. Music also helped me become more outgoing. I performed at talent shows and became very likeable throughout middle school and high school. In High school I was involved in numerous activities I was president of DECA, National Honor Society historian, President of Junior Class, Gospel Choir, Rites of Passage Co-Captain of Flag Team. I travel in business competitions and even won some of them, our music department starred in festivals in Boston, Canada, D.C, and Virginia Beach. I sang solos in many concerts, had lead roles in school plays, worked on community outreach projects and truly enjoyed every ounce of High school. I also had some very amazing friends and unforgettable memories with them.
My dream school was Howard University it had everything that I wanted from an amazing school of business, to the culture, extra circulars, and Greek life. About two weeks before when I was packed and ready to go my parents told me that I couldn’t go and that they weren’t paying 42,000. I was livid and heart broken. But I couldn’t focus on that major disappointment because I needed to find another option and made a decision to come to Baruch. I don’t have much friends here, I’m not as social, I’m not involved in any extra activity, I haven’t done one musical thing since I’ve been here but I’m optimistic for my future here at Baruch. I know that everything happens for a reason and I trust that I’m here for a good reason. I’m doing well in my classes and I know that in due time things will get better and I’ll still be successful regardless of my circumstance. Outside of school I am a very strong, fun, positive, caring, and virtuous person who enjoys the gift of life. Here is just the beginning and I know that I will take my education here at Baruch and make a major difference in this world someday.
