Gonzalo Trejo, a La Casa student, has always been dedicated to his studies because his parents pushed him to do well in school. When he was a child his dad would tell him, “Mijo tu tienes que ir a la Universidad.” Son, you have to go to the university.

His dad knew that he wanted the best for his son, but didn’t fully understand the process to get into college.

Gonzalo knew he would need his parents’ support but also the support of mentors to guide him. He connected with mentors who also encouraged him to pursue higher education. When he began going to the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) Gonzalo was uncertain about his career path.

He decided to major in marketing because he realized he enjoyed using his creativity and doing research. “This past semester, I was able to do research on the role of Latino males in education and its impact,” said Gonzalo. “I think this is something I would like to continue pursuing in graduate school.”

Gonzalo’s drive goes beyond this passion because he also wants to be a role model for his two younger sisters. “I want to go to graduate school so my sisters can be motivated to also pursue higher education,” he says. “I know they look up to me, and if I go on to get my Master’s degree and Ph.D., they will be more likely to do so as well.”

This semester, Gonzalo will be a junior and he already holds multiple leadership roles on campus. He is the Marketing Co-chair for Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity and appointed President of the Latino Greek Council.

He is also an active member of the LARES Leaders program, which brings together leaders on campus to raise awareness of issues within the Latino community at UIC. He’s also been the Community Service Chair Induction Officer and chapter delegate for his fraternity.

According to Gonzalo, La Casa plays a key role in his academic success. He first heard of La Casa Student Housing at the Unites States Latino Leadership conference. He moved into La Casa because they offered him the support he needed to transition into college.

“I was really confused about the process of going to college,” says Gonzalo. “Maria Bucio, Director of La Casa, helped me with financial aid and finding scholarships, making the transition easier for me.”

Gonzalo’s determination, dedication, and leadership is already putting him on the path to success. “I want to tell other students that college is not easy because it requires focus, but it is not impossible,” he says. “It is also what you make of it.”

He recognizes the important role his parents have played in his academic success. “Without my parents’ support I would have probably dropped out and not be where I am today. They’ve always put education first and I am grateful to them.”

This transformative experience for students could not be possible without the generous support of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and two anonymous donors. Learn more about La Casa Student Housing…

Return to Nueva Vida July 2015 here.