by Claudia Martinez
Sam moved to La Casa Student Housing with the goal of graduating from the University In Chicago (UIC) with a neuroscience degree and applying to medical school. Since then, he has focused on his studies and has made education a priority. However, before moving to La Casa, he was a struggling high school student who wasn’t getting the support he needed. He grappled with his studies but did not graduate on time with the rest of his classmates.
When he finally graduated, Sam moved to Texas to work and save some money. He returned to Chicago to continue his education and enrolled at Harold Washington College. However, his academic troubles continued; he ended up failing three out of four classes and getting a D in the last class.
“After that semester I was completely defeated,” said Sam. It was clear to him that he was not ready for college. On top of this, he began having family problems at home and he ended up moving out and working full-time.
Sam eventually realized that the only way he would be able to go back to get an education was with the support of his family. In the spring 2013, Sam enrolled as a full-time student at Harold Washington College and ended up doing excellent. He went from being a D student to being an exceptional student.
During this semester, Sam took his first human biology class and was completely fascinated. He was introduced to a book called County: Life Death and Politics at Chicago’s Public Hospital by David A. Ansell. Sam notes, “After reading this book, I was so inspired and realized that I too was capable of becoming a doctor.”
After another semester at Harold Washington College, Sam transferred to the University in Chicago (UIC). He joined the Hispanic Center of Excellence at UIC and over the summer was able to do undergraduate research. “This was the first real stepping stone in my medical career,” said Sam. After finishing this summer program, he joined another program called Medicina Scholars, which prepares lowerclassmen for medical school.
Currently, Sam continues his path to becoming a great candidate for medical school. He also volunteers his time with Rush Hospital and as a soccer coach for Cristo Rey. This semester he is trying to volunteer as an interpreter at a community health clinic in the West Town neighborhood.
For many students like Sam, being able to have a quiet place to study like the La Casa Resource Center is a blessing. Before coming to La Casa, he had a hard time finding a place to study because a second family lived in his parents’ home. He would spend long nights at the UIC library preparing for exams and studying. Today, things are different.
“I now have the privilege to study whenever I want,” said Sam. “The La Casa Resource Center is a great place to study and the coordinators are always willing to help.”
Despite his past academic struggles, Sam is now in an academically supportive environment and among students who understand exactly what he’s gone through. La Casa’s programs have given him all the tools and support he needs to continue being the exceptional student he is. La Casa students also look up to Sam, but what they don’t know about him is that his motivation comes from his family. Sometimes, his niece tells him she wants to be a doctor too. “Hearing her say this is what keeps me going,” he says.
Sam continues to pursue his ultimate goal of becoming a doctor in osteopathic medicine. After he graduates from medical school, he hopes to work in an underrepresented community in Chicago. There’s no doubt that with Sam’s determination, he will accomplish his dream of becoming a doctor.

Return to Nueva Vida October 2014 here.