PORT ST. LUCIE PEOPLE
John Carroll catholic High School
772-464-5200
AMORCE JEAN BAPTISTE
(“My parents named me Amos,
but the official wrote it wrong.
I like Amorce!”)
Age: 36
Lives in: Port St. Lucie
Occupation: Math teacher
Family: Wife of five years, Martine
Education: Bachelor of science in
pure mathematics from the State University of Haiti; master
of science in applied economics and math modeling from the
University of the French West Indies and Guiana
Hobbies: Basketball, reading science journals, music, movies
Who inspires me: “I am more inspired by situations I face
than a person.”
Something most people don’t know about me: “People
see this ‘nice guy,’ but I wasn’t raised to be soft or patient
or sensitive.”
FORT
48 Port St. Lucie Magazine
est. 1965
Inspire, foster, develop and affirm
johncarrollhigh.com
fort pierce, florida
‘This country is so big. Can I find my way and pursue my
dreams here?’” Jean Baptiste prayed about what he should
do. “I woke up the next morning and thought, ‘I am here.’
And I am still here.”
The switch from visitor to resident required a petition
for asylum; Jean Baptiste’s case is still pending. In the
meantime, he has been busy. He longed to teach again; when
he Googled “education in the U.S.” he saw a link for the
Florida Department of Education. The application fee for a
certificate was $75. “We had $100.” Martine encouraged him
to move forward. It was a step of faith which proved to be in
PIERCE
ELLEN GILLETTE
Jean Baptiste believes that every challenge is an opportunity to learn wheth>>
er it is a troubling math equation or overcoming poverty and oppression.
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