Dara
I’ve lived in North Chicago all my life. Twenty-eight years.
To me, North Chicago is home. To me, North Chicago is community. To me, North Chicago is love.
North Chicago is a place that I even if I leave, I will always come back and give back to. And that’s what I did. I went away, I went to North Northern Illinois University, graduated, and I came back and now I’m giving back to the community.
There are a lot of hidden gems in North Chicago. More specifically, I’m talking about the youth. A lot of good talent, and I think that what people don’t know, on the outside looking in, is that this is a really good community.
What did you study at Northern Illinois University?
My Bachelors degree is in Organizational and Corporate Communication. My minor was Nonprofit and NGO studies— because I always believe in giving back. You could say that’s my passion. I’m really good at writing papers– not good at this [being interviewed]!
Writing is valuable professional skill. What about a secret talent or skill?
I am so lame. I don’t have a secret talent. No.
I mean, I do love the coupon. I’m a good shopper. I love catching a good deal. Um.. I’m really just all about family and my kids and investing in that. If my kids grow up and they’re not, you know, living to their true ability— then I will feel like a failure.
Other than your two children, what are you most proud of?
Myself and how far I’ve come. When a lot of people think North Chicago, they think it’s like the ghetto, or that a lot of kids here are underprivileged. Some of that can be true. But if I was one of those kids. But me, being true to myself, and always being true to myself has allowed me to sit here and say that I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come.
I work with kids now and a lot of times it can be overwhelming. Then you look at it like— that’s where I was, you know— many years ago. It can be a challenge, but I can’t give up on them because that’s me. If somebody would have gave up on me… but thankfully, my parents didn’t. My coaches didn’t. So, I can’t be the one to give up on them.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.