Jermaline Catul '26

My experience at Cornell's Farmworker Legal Assistance Clinic was so fulfilling. It was great getting to work with the farmworkers, listening to their stories and providing legal assistance. I usually spend my summers finding a job just to save up money, but this summer I was able to be in a position to help people. Hearing about the farmworkers and their experience reminded me of my own family and their struggle coming to the U.S. My parents and close cousins had to flee because they didn't feel safe in Haiti. The journey itself was difficult, but so was their experience in the USA, having to deal with immigration, discrimination, and financial and legal issues. The struggles the farmworkers faced were the same struggles I had to witness growing up. Being able to help the farmworkers gave me an immense feeling of satisfaction.

What impacted me the most was hearing the farmworkers' experiences in their country and their struggle to make it to the U.S. The trauma from these experiences still haunts them to this day. This impacted me greatly and caused me to do a lot of self-reflection.  When I think of the issues that I currently face and complain about, I am grateful to be where I am today, as it could've been much worse. I remind myself not to allow my problems to weigh on me as much, and I remind myself of the privileges I have. I pray for these farmworkers to live a better life. I appreciate my life and the people that surround me.

I would like to thank the Dean’s Advisory Council for their generous fellowship.  Without their support, I would not have been able to experience the profound effects that working for FLAC had on me as a person.  This work was so meaningful to me.  My advocacy for the farmworkers felt as though I were helping my own family. Overall, it felt good to dedicate my summer to helping others which helped me feel good in return. I've personally grown from this experience, and appreciate my life more than ever before.