Yanet Flores (23)

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

Childhood in Little Village
Moved to Little Village at 8 or 9 years old, in 5th grade
Felt like she finally had stability in a neighborhood that felt like home
Felt very welcomed in Little Village even though she felt like she looked very different than everyone else living in the neighborhood.
Created a friend group right away, having people approach me right away, Marisol approached me first and asked if I wanted to join her friend group in free time Friday at school.
Young Adult
Went to Little Village High School and lived in the community for two years then moved to Indiana Junior year but still had to commute to school every day. 
Memories from my quinceanera, everyone coming together on the weekends to practice quinceanera dances, even though everyone went to different high schools. Dance practices were always in my yard.
In Little Village, everyone knew you, even the lady that worked in the corner store.
We would take pictures all the time when we used to go over and hang out with each other all together.

Adult
Went away for college to Eastern Illinois University, majority of friend group stayed in Little Village for college.
Being 3 hours away taught me a lot of hard work and showing where you come from and this is the product I can show.
Still showing Little village and the Mexican/Latino culture 3 hours away.
Joining Latino based organizations still in college.
As an adult, everyone changed, and I stuck with my main friends, we don't see these people from Little Village anymore. Some people went up, stayed the same or went down in life.

Changes in Little Village?
No changes, probably just having the community give back more , taking care of the community in general especially if it’s changing and protecting our place.
Helping the community, and representing Little Village in a bigger way.