As thousands of college freshmen prepare to start their academic journeys this fall, one story rising out of Miami-Dade County stands out — a testament to determination, community, and the life-changing power of education.
Esther Saintil, a proud Haitian immigrant, has officially moved into Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions. Her path to Yale began over a decade ago, in 2012, when she and her family arrived in Florida from Haiti. At the time, Saintil didn’t speak a word of English.
Her early years in the U.S. were filled with c
hallenges. Her father, working long hours to support the family, would drop off Esther and her sister Monique at Florida City Elementary as early as 5 a.m. With hours before school started, the school librarian took them in — not just into the library, but into a safe space that became a launchpad for their learning. There, the sisters wer
e introduced to English through books chosen with care and read aloud with patience.
Esther’s love for learning dee
pened when she joined Branches, a nonprofit youth program in Miami-Dade supported by The Children’s Trust. Despite initially being turned away due to limited space, Esther and her sister poured their hopes into a heartfelt, polka-dot-decorated letter that won the hearts of the staff and secured them spots in the program.
Throughout high school, Esther endured a 90-minute daily commute from Homestead to Coral Reef Senior High School, where she thrived both academically and socially.
She became active in the Book Club, National Honor Society, and Bl
in the USA
ack Student Union. On some days, her commute was eased by a family friend, McNeil, whose daughter — also a Coral Reef graduate — had once walked the same path to Yale. Her story planted the seed for Esther’s Ivy Lea
gue dreams.
During the summer before senior year, Esther immersed herself in
the college experience with programs at Princeton and Yale. Ultimately, Yale’s sense of community and belonging won her over.
Now, with a full-ride scholarship, Esther Saintil begins her freshman year at Yale with plans to double major in political science and psychology, all while keeping her sights set on law school and a future as a criminal defense attorney.
Her journey — from a 5 a.m. library sanctuary in Florida City to the historic halls of Yale — is a celebration of Haitian resilience, family, and the impact of those who choose to believe in a child’s potential.
Source: Miami Times Online
