Jarissa Herrera (21)

Using one word, what comes to mind when you hear “Little Village”?
Culture

Childhood in Little Village
Has lived in Little Village back and forth, about 3/4ths of her life, about 15 years
Came from Mexico at 3 years old, moved from different neighborhoods here in Chicago, including Little Village, Pilsen, and Archer Heights.
When I first got here, it was okay, it consisted of going outside, hanging out with my cousins, going to the park, walking around the block.
Went to Cooper elementary school, then Zapata in Little Village, then Edwards in Archer Heights
The kids in Edwards were way more mature than the kids in the schools here in Little Village
The kids here were mostly all nice, the bullying I encountered the most was never in the school in Little Village
We lived two houses away, on 28th and Kenneth.
Going house to house between family in the neighborhood is common here because family tends to live close to each other here.

Young Adult
A good place to live in if you hang around with good people and don't get involved in the drama.
When you're a teenager, mostly as a girl, your family advises you to not date gang members, or tell you to watch out when they see you hanging out with people who look a little more “rough”.
Took the bus every morning and afternoon from Little Village to Curie High school where I went.
Catcalling in the neighborhood even walking from the bus stop to home.

Adult
You mostly know what streets to avoid but walking down 26th is okay mostly if you're walking around with someone.
Finding jobs outside of Little Village, just because there are better opportunities outside of Little Village mostly because this neighborhood mostly has small businesses that don't offer much growth.
Start branching out to different neighborhoods, for better opportunities but always coming back here with happiness and pride.
“This is not the place you want to be in, grow up in, or raise kids here. Your mentality changes.”
Friendships from here are very genuine, if you don't like someone here, you won't be friends with them, but if you do, it'll become a good friendship

Change in Little Village?
Small businesses can become better, I'd like to see a successful business because they tend to open up and close right away.
People being more united, getting to know your neighbors and being more together.
More support and activities for kids in school. Becoming more of a safe spot in the community.