Never Giving Up with Betty Sylvain
Written by Julianna Bonnett
Using the lessons she’s learned as a main factor in her life, Betty Sylvain is a survivor who is determined to succeed.
Born and raised in Haiti, Sylvain moved to Canada in 1994 with the belief that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.
“I was told I would never graduate or be anything good because I was an orphan,” she shared. “After my son was born and I was a single mom, I wanted to make sure I could provide for him and teach him that he can do anything.”
Through experiencing many ups and downs in 2013, Sylvain and her then 18-month-old son checked themselves into the Hiatus House. Being in the shelter for three weeks, it became Sylvain’s mission to transform her life so she could give her son and herself better.
“We were in there for 3 weeks,” she shared. “We then moved to a duplex after continuously house hunting everyday- it was time to start our new life.”
Beginning her education first at St. Michael’s Adults High School in the summer of 2014, Sylvain was accomplishing one of her many goals.
“I was educated in French, so I had to learn proper English,” she explained. “After that I continued my education at St. Clair College for Office Administration in 2016.”
Recently, Sylvain graduated from the Public Relations program at St. Clair College’s, The Mediaplex and hopes for a bright future ahead for her and her son.
When asked what empowers her, Sylvain shares she has a high desire to succeed in life.
“All my life I always had to fend for myself so I'm constantly trying to never need to ask for help from anyone,” she shared. “This has been my drive and mindset since I was a child, to make sure I work hard to provide for myself.”
Using the lessons she’s learned as a main factor in her life, Betty Sylvain is a survivor who is determined to succeed.
Born and raised in Haiti, Sylvain moved to Canada in 1994 with the belief that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.
“I was told I would never graduate or be anything good because I was an orphan,” she shared. “After my son was born and I was a single mom, I wanted to make sure I could provide for him and teach him that he can do anything.”
Through experiencing many ups and downs in 2013, Sylvain and her then 18-month-old son checked themselves into the Hiatus House. Being in the shelter for three weeks, it became Sylvain’s mission to transform her life so she could give her son and herself better.
“We were in there for 3 weeks,” she shared. “We then moved to a duplex after continuously house hunting everyday- it was time to start our new life.”
Beginning her education first at St. Michael’s Adults High School in the summer of 2014, Sylvain was accomplishing one of her many goals.
“I was educated in French, so I had to learn proper English,” she explained. “After that I continued my education at St. Clair College for Office Administration in 2016.”
Recently, Sylvain graduated from the Public Relations program at St. Clair College’s, The Mediaplex and hopes for a bright future ahead for her and her son.
When asked what empowers her, Sylvain shares she has a high desire to succeed in life.
“All my life I always had to fend for myself so I'm constantly trying to never need to ask for help from anyone,” she shared. “This has been my drive and mindset since I was a child, to make sure I work hard to provide for myself.”