Chicago is a huge city filled with communities of diverse backgrounds. It is significant to preserve these communities as a way of preserving the city of Chicago. This is the same for the United States. This country is unique because it is composed of people form diverse cultures, a fact that is often forgotten by its citizens. Being able to serve in such a wonderful community was an honor. This opportunity is an exemplary example of, “seeking God in all things and working to expand knowledge in the service of human through learning…". The people at Taller de Jose can teach students at Loyola and the Area of Chicago many life lessons and values. These stories highlight how there are people working one hundred times harder for the opportunities we often take for granted.

During high school I was very active in my community. I volunteered at my church every summer, lead food, and clothing drives at school for people with low resources, and tutored children from low income families whose parents were first generation immigrants and worked in agricultural fields. I saw myself in the eyes of each child. Serving my community brought me tremendous happiness and I knew that wanted to continue this. In college I joined the military to continue serving my community. It was the best fit. An organization that would bring discipline to my life, and allow me to serve my community. But in the back of my head I join to protect the dreams, rights, hopes, and values of our citizens and our next generations.

Taller de Jose was a place that brought me personal happiness and fulfillment, because I love helping people but it had become harder with a busy college schedule. The opportunities I did have to visit Taller de Jose and listen to stories served as a reminder, that there are people who have started from nothing, suffered injustices, and yet never give up on their dreams. 

What's next?

As a begin my last year at Loyola and look for job opportunities I will keep in mind my community. I am a first generation student and daughter to a first generation immigrant. It is very important for me to stay in touch with my roots and help people who are currently working for a better life in America. As a child, I always dreamed about going to college. I was salutatorian of my high school, but even then I was afraid I wouldn’t receive an acceptance letter in the mail. Fortunately, I did and it changed my life completely. I want to graduate college, enter the military, and work to help and inspire young people who may be doubting themselves. Any dream is possible in the US.