Say HELLO to Soso!

Marie Jacques Carmel Pierre—"Soso,”as she is affectionately known around here—has been teaching preschool at Three Angels Christian Academy (TACA) since our doors first opened 15 years ago. Things have changed a lot since 2005; Soso remembers those early days when class was held outside under a tree, equipped with only a chalkboard and some chairs. Over the years, she has witnessed the school grow and evolve to include grades PSI through 6, each with a dedicated classroom. She dreams of the day when that might also include grades 7, 8, and 9!

Soso knows that her job is important and considers teaching to be a noble and beautiful profession—and we couldn’t agree more! In her 15 years of teaching at TACA, literally hundreds of children have sat in her classroom. In fact, nearly every child currently enrolled plus most of the children in our high school scholarship program have been taught by her. She frequently bumps into former students who are delighted to see her when she is out and about, and many graduates still stop by for a visit with their favorite teacher.

Soso’s lifelong love for children made her dream of a career as a pediatrician, but because of finances, that was not to be. For Soso, becoming a preschool teacher was the next logical choice. Although she has also taught the older preschool classes (PSII and PSIII) from time to time, her heart belongs with the very youngest children in PSI where she has spent most of her years. PSI is entry-level preschool for children who are usually between two-and-a-half and three years old. These little ones need some extra love and guidance getting settled, since it’s usually the first time they’ve spent their days away from home and Mom. Soso knows that these first days of school are difficult with a whole new environment and routine—there’s a learning curve even to recognizing which backpacks and snack boxes belong to who! Soso takes these little ones under her wing like a second mother, and she knows to keep the more shy children up front near her where she can give them some extra encouragement. Lots of singing and dancing give all the children a cheerful distraction, as well as a great way to expend some of that preschooler energy! She loves her role and is delighted by the happy and affectionate younger children, always with their smiles and hugs.

Although Soso enjoys getting to know all of these children, she takes her teaching responsibilities very seriously, too. She believes that education is the most important investment one can make, but she also knows that there’s much more to school than academics. School has enormous value to offer as a training ground for navigating life; things like knowing how to dress appropriately for an occasion, how to pray and give thanks before each meal, being mindful to share with others in need, or cultivating social skills in a variety of settings will equip these students for success in ways math and reading might not. Soso is proud of her influence and considers it a privilege to impact these children on so many levels while sharing with them the love of Jesus.

What advice does Soso have for young people?

“Take school seriously and learn a trade or career. Don’t wait on the government or others for help; take your future into your own hands!”

Soso sends her special thanks to all our Student Sponsors for making it possible to provide an education for these children. TACA has many students whose families could not afford to send their children to school without your help!

We are thankful for you, too.

And we’re SO, SO thankful for Soso!