After graduating from high school, most students wish to move away for college and become independent, and that is exactly what Jasmine Salgado did; she moved to Iowa in order to attend a small Liberal Arts university. However, after a year, she realized that the place was not what she was looking for. “The town was small and the lack of diversity at the university was noticeable; there was simply no connection with the faculty or with the student body,” she explains.

Eventually, Jasmine decided to return to the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago, and attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Marketing from the College of Business.

Excited to be back in Pilsen and start a new chapter in her life, Jasmine has learned to value and appreciate the neighborhood and UIC’s culture a lot more after being away for a year. “I am happy to attend a school that is academically challenging and where diversity is a priority,” she says.

In addition to a positive college experience, Jasmine is also appreciative of the new career opportunities that she’s been able to find in Chicago. Through a friend, Jasmine was excited to learn about TRP’s La Casa Career Internship Program (CIP) so she decided to apply for an intern position at the organization’s Marketing and Communications department where she currently works.

TRP’s internship is a stepping stone in her career. “I have an edge that other students don’t have, as a sophomore I am already doing work that I would otherwise not be exposed to until my senior semester or until after I graduate and that’s a great advantage and a blessing,” says Jasmine.

According to Claudia Calderon, Director of the Career Internship Program at TRP, it all started as a pilot program three years ago and it has been growing and improving ever since. Currently, the program has 17 CIP students living at La Casa and having hands-on work experience within The Resurrection Project or an external partner organization.

La Casa Student Housing provided a space for the independence that Jasmine was looking for, while allowing her to remain close to family and friends. “I can be away from home to do my homework and study with my roommates, but I can also walk to my house, spend time with my family and eat my mom’s homemade food. It’s the best of both worlds,” explains Jasmine.

La Casa Student Housing has helped Jasmine develop herself on a personal and professional level, but her family has also played an essential role. According to Jasmine, her achievements are the result of the guidance she has received from her family. “My dad has always told me that nothing is easy, but nothing is impossible,” she says. Her father’s words have helped her with her journey back to Pilsen and have prepared her for a successful college experience at UIC.

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.

Learn more about La Casa Student Housing…