South Florida mother-daughter duo earn master's degrees together
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Marnatha Ternier (left) and Hillary Pierre. Photos: Courtesy of the family
Marnatha Ternier was scared of failing after taking the leap to go back to school and pursue a master's degree at Barry University.
- In her most stressful moments, though, help was near: Hillary Pierre, Ternier's 23-year-old daughter, was also her classmate.
Why it matters: Ternier and Pierre will graduate together on Saturday, the conclusion of a one-year academic journey that strengthened their mother-daughter bond.
The intrigue: Ternier, a 48-year-old former Haitian government minister, tells Axios that she experienced a role reversal in her relationship with her daughter.
- When Ternier felt overwhelmed and ready to give up, "Hillary was there like a mother supporting me."
Pierre says she helped her mom register for online classes and provided tech support.
- There were times she would see her mother in front of the computer all day, tired and stressed about school, so she would remind Ternier of her strength.
- "This is a piece of cake for you."
Yes, but: Pierre said her mom had her back, too, as Pierre balanced her pursuit of a Master of Business Administration in Finance degree with a job at the university.
- "When it was her turn to [feel stressed], I had to step in, this time as her mother and her friend," Ternier says.
- "It was a role reversal that brought us even closer."
Flashback: Ternier decided to enroll at Barry University about six months after Pierre did.
- Ternier, who is receiving a Master's in Public Administration, said she was inspired by her daughter's academic journey and motivated to continue serving the Haitian community amid "chaos" in their home country.
- "Instead of giving up, I chose to turn that anger into purpose. I decided to prepare myself, to educate myself so I could be part of my country's rebuilding."
What's next: Ternier, who served 15 years in the Haitian government and was the minister of Haitians Living Abroad, is a full-time writer who wants to continue informing readers about current affairs in Haiti.
- "I feel like there was a need and there's still a need for my people to understand what's really going on in Haiti right now."
Pierre says she is considering getting an educational doctorate in organizational leadership next.
- On the side, she runs a small business making Haitian pikliz.
Bottom line: The mother-daughter duo say this Mother's Day will have extra meaning.
- "We're here and we're doing it together. We're crossing the finish line together," Pierre says.