Insite Online - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009(Plain Text Version)
In this issue:
HAI Group Newsletter Changing Name, Format
Wrapping Up…
Falek Captures NAHRO Award
Never Underestimate the Value of Giving
Legislative Affairs
Green is the Color of Public Housing
Risk Corner
Group Viewing Has its Benefits
Protecting Assets through Preventive Maintenance
Inspection Guidelines Are Important
Snow Big Deal
Never Underestimate the Value of Giving
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Each year, Housing Authority Insurance, Inc. conducts a Resident Scholarship Program for member PHAs. Successful public housing applicants snare a $2,500 scholarship and people in all sectors of the company enjoy good feelings.
It’s human nature, however, to wonder if one’s generosity is appreciated and doing any good?
For Juan Lopez, a student at Hartford’s Capital Community College, the answer is a resounding “Yes!!”
Lopez was an average student in high school, a shy kid who flew under the radar. There wasn’t a ton of money in the household so he planned to enter the workforce upon graduation.
“I didn’t know if I was going to receive financial aid,” Lopez says. “I didn’t know what I was doing with my life.”
Lopez’ post-high school life went into a tailspin. He lost his job delivering auto parts. He dislocated his knee. He found himself spending all day in bed, watching TV and staring into space.
Then one day, the mailman delivered an envelope filled with salvation.
“I pretty much had forgotten I signed up for the scholarship,” Lopez says. “One day, unable to do much because of a cast almost covering my leg, my mother brought me a letter and I said, ‘What is this?’
“When it said I had received the scholarship, I said, “You know what, this is it. This is my time to do what I have to do.”
A little generosity from HAI went a long way. In fact, for Lopez, it was transformational.
“The scholarship came along and that was sort of the turning point in my life,” he says. “It was a smack to my face saying, ‘Get back in school! Do something with your life!!’”
He heeded the call. Lopez is a Dean’s list student whose transcript is filled with more A’s and B’s than “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” More importantly, he’s a campus leader. The faculty and staff know and respect him. He’s the President of the Student Senate.
Basically, Lopez is the Mayor of 950 Main Street.
“I work hard, go to class, do what I have to do, and do my best to get my A’s and B’s,” Lopez says. “I never thought I would have the GPA I have right now.”
As for the future, Lopez’ plan is to work in a school system mentoring students. He’s not concerned about where or what grade. He wants to make sure kids and young adults keep searching for options.
“Kids need a mentor to guide them in the right direction,” he says. “A lot of people feel like they don’t have anyone they can turn to.”
In fact, he already has a prepared sermon for his future mentees, a message he honed on the long journey from auto-parts delivery boy to well-rounded student.
“Strive for success, don’t let anyone hold you back, reach for the top, do what you have to do to be a successful student and person. Life gives you challenges to overcome, don’t let them overcome you,” Lopez says.
For those who need more than words to be motivated, Lopez offers himself and the Resident Scholarship Program as evidence that challenges can be overcome.
“I could be out there on the streets right now, not doing what I’m doing now and not having a life,” he says. “I could have a job with no goals to pursue a higher education. Receiving that scholarship, at that time, it was meant to happen.”