Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Jessica Pierre, 19

School: Somerville High School

Accomplishments: After a hurricane hit earthquake-stricken Haiti last year, Pierre and her 16-year-old sister joined their father in Somerville. Pierre quickly learned English, got involved in school clubs and became an interpreter through a local youth program. Now she’s the first in her family heading to college.

How she did it: Soon after Pierre enrolled in Somerville High School last March, a guidance counselor told her about The Welcome Project, an organization that advocates for immigrants and offers them English language education, among other services. Pierre ended up joining its Liaison Interpreter Program of Somerville (LIPS), which trains and pays students to interpret in their native languages at public meetings.

“A few months before, I didn’t understand English... so I thought it would be fun to do,” she said.

Now Pierre interprets English for French and Haitian-Creole speaking immigrants at PTA nights, health fairs and other public events. She also helps new students at the high school learn English and integrate into the community there.  

Pierre said that moving to Somerville “wasn’t easy,” but she got a fast grasp on English by watching television, listening to music and taking summer English language classes through a program at Harvard. She also said the high school provided her with tutoring and information about the SAT and colleges.

“They try to help you in every way they can,” she said.

In addition, she joined the school’s community service, math and knitting clubs.

Recently she was accepted to Keene State College, in New Hampshire, where she said she planned to study architecture or urban planning. To prepare for college, she participates in The Welcome Project’s First Generation to College Program and a tutoring program at Harvard.