Laisha Perez
Participating in the Transformational Leaders Program not only transformed current junior Laisha Perez’s Notre Dame journey but also had a profound impact on her mother.
The most beautiful blessing is that, because I have received so much support here, my mom began her own journey to earn her bachelor’s degree, and she and I will be graduating from college the same year! Even though we are far apart right now, we get to share in this experience together. As we draw closer to graduation, we are planning and dreaming about when we will be able to see each other’s graduation ceremonies.
“Notre Dame is special to so many people, providing the gift of faith, learning, and hope to those in difficult situations. My mother and I have experienced this firsthand. It is a similar hope that we celebrate this season as the Christ child comes to a world in need. How does preparing to welcome Jesus at Christmas inspire us to welcome those in our communities who might need just a little extra love and grace this year?”
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Grace to you and your mother. These experiences and gifts bring the next generation to another level. Love to you
This goes to show we can all do it..
Beautiful story, Laisha! You are bonding even closer to your mother as you both enrich your lives with the gift of education. I wish you nothing but the best in life! ¡Animo!
Tu eres lo maximo!
How does preparing to welcome Jesus at Christmas inspire us to welcome those in our communities who might need just a little extra love and grace this year?” This is the most impactful line of today’s story–at least for me. Where can I receive gratefully and also give “a little extra love and grace?” I shall sit with this. Thank You Laisha. I also am pondering my being a first generation college graduate and Maybe how that modeled a goal for each of my younger 13 brothers and sisters to graduate from college.
You and your mom will graduate from college at the same time, 3000 miles apart, WOW! That is an inspiring thought; learning and love can both be shared, no matter the distance. Enjoy your Christmas at home in LA!
God Bless you and your mom….Merry Christmas….Go IRISH!!!!
Wow. Way to be. Go LA. Thx for sharing. Con mucho gusto🍀
Laisha,
Thank you for choosing Notre Dame .
When our youngest child left for Notre Dame in 1985 I started taking
Spanish 101 at night, at a junior college.
As aMaternity nurse I wanted to converse and understand my increasing number of Latina mothers.
It was surprising how the door of communication widened between us, as they heard an imperfect Spanish, English emanated from them as we joyfully connected.
I used to encourage them to use their new language more and I told them we needed them to be health care workers.
In 2023, most of my care givers are black and brown and they are excellent
Professionals!
Buena suerte to you e su Madre!
Marilyn (Mariana) Woidat
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! What a gift you and your mom share. And what an example you are to the students you interact with at Notre Dame. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and congratulations to your mother too!
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Laisha, for this beautiful story. I’m sure you are an inspiration for your fellow students as you have inspired your mother.
It’s obvious that God has chosen you for a mission. You are, and will be a great messenger! Bless you for accepting his challenge.
Laisha,
no other way to say it…WOW!!! I’m pretty sure yours has been the most inspiring and joyous Sacred Story so far…which is obviously saying something, seeing as they’ve ALL been so wondrous. Your question,”How does preparing to welcome Jesus at Christmas inspire us to welcome those in our communities who might need just a little extra love and grace this year?” sits at the very crux of what Jesus directed us to do – spread the Good News of the Gospel. Truly, from my heart, thanks.