by Diana Pando
Sarahi Perez is a vibrant student who attended Joliet Junior College and was living at home with her parents. After completing her Associates Degree, she focused on attending her dream school at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She wanted to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Religious Studies.
Her parents were excited and ready to support her goals, but they were not ready to let go of their little girl. “My dad suggested I commute to UIC from home,” said Sarahi. “However, we realized the commute would take two and a half hours daily to and from school and it wasn’t an option.”
As they explored all of their options, a co-worker of Sarahi’s parents mentioned that her son was going to UIC. He had opted not to live in the dorms. Instead, he was living in a place called La Casa Student Housing in the Pilsen neighborhood. Sarahi and her parents went on a tour of La Casa and decided that was the most affordable option for them.
By moving into La Casa, Sarahi cut her commute time to 15-20 minutes daily because La Casa is located near public transportation and neighboring universities. Thanks to this shorter commute time, she is able to participate in the Newman Catholic Student Organization, The Trade Winds Program, and the Peer Health Exchange program. She also became a member of the Honors College at UIC.
“Through these experiences, I have met amazing people from all around the world that have made huge impacts in my life,” says Sarahi. “So far I have been enjoying my college experience to the fullest.”
According to Sarahi, La Casa has helped her find the support she needs to transition into her young adulthood. Recently, she began participating in La Casa’s Career Internship Program (CIP) and landed her first internship with TRP’s Communication and Marketing Department.
Her parents now have one less financial worry because through the internship Sarahi is able to pay for her housing. They plan to use the money they save towards Sarahi’s younger sibling’s college education.
La Casa students also have access to free workshops to give them an edge in the workplace after they graduate. “I’ve learned about resumes, cover letters, and elevator speeches,” said Sarahi. “Prior to attending the workshops, I had never in my life even heard of these things.”
One of the most important things Sarahi has gotten from living at La Casa is a sense of empowerment and equal opportunity. Both of her parents are immigrants and they have no idea how college works in the U.S.
“Although my siblings and I are citizens,” she says, “I think we did not have the same opportunities as children born in the U.S. with American parents.”
At La Casa, Sarahi’s parents have also found the support they need to help their child navigate the college system. “This year my dad and I didn’t have to spend three hours trying to figure out how to fill out a FAFSA form,” says Sarahi. “We attended a La Casa workshop that walked us through the process.”
According to Sarahi, she feels more confident knowing that she and her family have a place where they can go to find answers and support. “Leaving my family and community has been one of the most difficult sacrifices I’ve had to make,” she says. “La Casa Student Housing has offered me a home and given my family and I the tools we need to succeed.”
This transformative experience for students could not be possible without the generous support of The John Buck Company Foundation, Chicago Tribune Charities – Holiday Campaign, a McCormick Foundation fund, the A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, and two anonymous donors.
If you would like more information on La Casa Student Housing or the Career Internship Program, please call 312-880-1889.