Youseline Osias, Haiti, enrolled in 2018
Youseline learned from an early age that education requires sacrifice before it provides opportunity. Joining MBB’s scholarship program in 2018, she became a proud high school graduate in 2025 at 21 years old. Her story has unfolded at the intersection of challenge and resolve, shaped by courage, steadiness, and a quiet but powerful spirit of giving.
Originally from a mountainous region of rural northern Haiti, Youseline moved to town in seventh grade so she could attend school. Leaving home was not easy. It meant adjusting to a new rhythm of life with her aunt, learning independence early, and shouldering the sadness felt from the absence of her parents and eleven siblings. This move, however, marked a turning point. Living just minutes from the local MBB office, Youseline was not only close to school, but near a place of support and safety. When her aunt worked long shifts as a nurse, Youseline could study at the MBB office, surrounded by encouragement and accountability. Her time spent here, in the company of educators and mentors Madame Gina and Madame Fabienne, formed her goal to become a social worker – a dream that grew from a desire to care for others as these two women have cared for her.
Daily life brought its own trials. Water was often scarce. During long droughts, Youseline spent countless mornings and evenings fetching water from a local well. Economic instability and insecurity in Haiti made even simple routines uncertain. Travel back to her rural home became dangerous due to gang activity along the main highway, forcing her family to rely on long, winding mountain paths just to stay connected. Youseline missed birthdays, holidays, and the chance to watch her youngest siblings grow. Still, she continued on, using her studies as an anchor and goals for her future as a guiding light.
Youseline comes from a large blended family. Her parents tend a garden, growing plantains and mangoes. They do everything they can to support her education. When Haiti’s mango exports were blocked, the family’s income suffered deeply. Yet even in lean seasons, provisions were sent to town to help support Youseline and her aunt, a tangible reminder of shared sacrifice and belief in Youseline’s future.
That belief has taken root in remarkable ways. Throughout her high school years, Youseline demonstrated leadership, generosity, and integrity. She used her talent as a trained decorator to beautify MBB events, always ready to help however she could. Guided by MBB’s principles of academic excellence, compassionate action, and personal integrity, she learned that leadership is not about recognition but about service.
One of Youseline’s proudest moments came after graduation, when she noticed an elderly woman in her neighborhood in dire need of support. Without being asked, Youseline stepped in, caring for her with tenderness and dignity. She bathed her, braided her hair, and treated her like family. For Youseline, this was not extraordinary, it was simply what one does for their neighbor in need.