BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — From checking student IDs, to owning one himself, Rossiny Julien is living his academic dream.
“For me, Emerson is my Harvard University… It’s a great school, everyone wants to come here.”
Rossiny grew up in Haiti, and immigrated to the United States with his parents before entering high school. He didn’t know one word of English – but he didn’t let that stop him from learning. He tore through newspapers, books, anything he could get his hands on.
After graduating high school, Rossiny took a job as the security guard in Emerson College, where he would soon take a liking to the academics.
“Because when I used to work at the front desk, every time I see like a student I said ‘Okay, I want to be in that place.” Rossiny said.
Read More: New Haitian-American Art Exhibit Opens At Boston City Hall
It didn’t take long for Rossiny’s passion for learning to get noticed. He struck up a friendship with the chair of Emerson’s Department of Communication Studies, Gregory Payne. But he has big dreams after winning a scholarship. Rossiny is now a college sophomore, in the same building he used to guard, balancing classes with a full work schedule. But he has big dreams after winning a scholarship. Rossiny wants to go to law school, and become a diplomat.
“I was actually the first one that graduated from high school in my family.” Julien said. “Anything is possible as long as you’re willing to work for it.”
Rossiny also wants to return to his Haiti home to fix his native lands unrest, and return it to peace and stability.
WBZ’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.