I still remember the first day we arrived at our HACE house. Beautiful area, clean exterior with cozy interiors and all of these were the things that my family, as new immigrants, didn\u2019t even dream of having. I couldn\u2019t believe my eyes; all I remember is being beyond grateful for such a place. In our homeland, there was no chance of the government helping people with accessible, quality housing in such ways, so from a young age I understood what a privilege we had received. <\/p>\n
Later, the Housing Authority gave me an opportunity to intern at their office with the kindest people who were patient with me and taught me some of the most essential skills and ways of thinking. In my conversations with family and friends, I still credit HACE and its staff for enabling me to go through college, to do my best and come out without insane amounts of debts – special thanks to the Tullio scholarship. Soon after, I was able to land internships essential to my career as well as get an offer from my dream architectural company in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
My family came to the U.S. with absolutely nothing, so I didn\u2019t have much ambition and confidence. However, the people of the Housing Authority made me feel and understand that I can achieve anything and helped me gain confidence that I was always lacking. I truly think that if not for the wonderful HACE team I might\u2019ve never been able to see my dreams come true the way I did.<\/p>\n
Currently I live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband and our baby who will arrive in February!<\/p>\n