STEP-UP Fellows live with host families throughout the summer program. By living with a host family, Fellows are able to learn about cultures, traditions, and everyday life in the communities that they are living in.
The Morales Family participated as a host family during STEP-UP 2010 and is back to join us this year as a host family for Little Village. Below is an interview with mother Maria Morales, daughter Alicia, and 4-year old grandson Carlos about their experiences with STEP-UP.
Members of the Morales Family
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How was it having a student living with you during the STEP-UP program?
MM: Excellent. I think it was very good and different. It was a good experience for me, my kids, and my family. I loved it.
AM: I liked it. It was fun.
CM: Good, good, good.
What was something that you hoped the Fellow would learn from you?
MM: Our customs or different kinds of relationships with the community and with each other. I also wanted the Fellow to learn about our food and everything else we could teach her.
Did you learn anything from the Fellow?
MM: Oh yes. Having a college student is a good influence on our kids. It is good to have someone who wants to be involved in the community. The fellow tried to learn from us and be a part of us. It was excellent.
Why do you think it’s important that the Fellows live with families in the communities?
MM: It’s important because you have to know the needs of the people and of the students. If you live here, you can improve your teaching in our schools. You get to know the families and the traditions.
What was the hardest part about having a student come live with you?
MM: I don’t think we had a hard part; I just wanted to see the fellow more! Nothing was difficult about it!
What was the best part about having a fellow live with you?
MM: That we had a friendship and that we knew the Fellow. Hopefully someday the Fellow can teach around Little Village to make the community a better place. Also, the Fellow was a good influence on my kids. It shows that if you study you can become something more.
CM: She had a camera. Cheese!
AM: I made a new friendship.
