“I grew up on 63rd and Kedzie and I was the only child for about 8 years. Our family of 3 turned into a family of 5 in the same year. My brother was born and my sister was adopted, I was so excited to become a big sister. Even though being a big sister comes with a lot of responsibility and life throws things at you that are unexpected, I wouldn’t change my position in my family for the world. 

Over the course of the pandemic I was occupied with work at Heartland, but most importantly I became closer with my immediate family. It brought us closer since we’re always so busy with our lives and don’t live in the same household. I appreciate the very little time we do get to spend with each other.

Heartland Health Center is filled with welcoming people that contribute to the positive work environment we are in. I love working with highschoolers. To them, I want to be the person I needed in highschool. It is a bit intimidating that I’m the first point of contact students see before they enter our safe space, but I can only perfect my position by using the knowledge I learn everyday. On top of completing my responsibilities of managing the front desk, I also try to make sure that the student knows that we are always here to help with as much as we can with the resources that are provided to us.” 

Francia Reyes is a Patient Support Specialist at Senn Heartland Health Center in Chicago, IL.