Alfredo Arreola Perez
Believe in Yourself
Alfredo Arreola Perez was born and raised in Huapango, Guanajuato, Mexico, and came to the United States when he was 17. On May 11, he will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Loyola University Chicago. Arreola Perez, 37, lives in Richmond, Virginia and took all his classes virtually. He works full-time as the business manager at Sacred Heart Church, a Jesuit parish in his hometown.
You were an SCPS Fellow. How did that scholarship help you?
I couldn’t have done it without the SCPS Fellows Program. The last two years have been difficult. I have a full-time job and I was a full-time student. I had to keep my responsibilities as a husband, as an employee, and as a student. I have had to be diligent with my duties and tighten my belt for me to continue my studies.
What has your educational journey been like at Loyola?
In the beginning, I was afraid. English is my second language. I wondered if I was at the college level required, so it was a challenge. There were times that it took me a bit more to understand and follow directions. I was returning to school again after a while and I didn’t have the habit to make time to study.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I have the potential and I need to believe in myself. Other people saw that in me and said, “Just do it.” But for me, it was really hard to trust myself. I was always doubting myself. Loyola has taught me to believe and to be an example for others.
How did the professors help you?
They were great. All of them. Every time I reached out, they got back to me on time. They were diligent and they made time for me.
How has Loyola changed you?
I’m more confident now. I feel my interpersonal skills have improved, how I express myself to people, and how I think about what I’m going to say before I say it.
What advice do you have for others who are trying to balance a full-time job and a full-time education?
Believe in yourself. You have the potential. There are going to be obstacles and circumstances that could make you want to give up. You have your teachers, you have your advisors, you have people there who are willing to help you. All you have to do is ask. We need to overcome our inner fears first. Trust yourself. Trust your gut.
What’s next for you?
I need to focus on my wife, my family, my home, and myself. My job is demanding but fulfilling. It’s a modest parish, but it’s very rich spiritually and strong as a community. We have been short-staffed at work, and I want to do all I can to help. It’s an amazing parish.
What’s special about Sacred Heart?
You don’t see boundaries and people aren’t labeled. There are people from Central America, Mexico, South America, etc., but we don’t say, “He’s from El Salvador” or “He’s from Honduras.” You say, “He’s from Sacred Heart.” We help each other as a family and create an atmosphere of welcome. Sacred Heart is my home.
May 2, 2023
Believe in Yourself
Alfredo Arreola Perez was born and raised in Huapango, Guanajuato, Mexico, and came to the United States when he was 17. On May 11, he will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Loyola University Chicago. Arreola Perez, 37, lives in Richmond, Virginia and took all his classes virtually. He works full-time as the business manager at Sacred Heart Church, a Jesuit parish in his hometown.
You were an SCPS Fellow. How did that scholarship help you?
I couldn’t have done it without the SCPS Fellows Program. The last two years have been difficult. I have a full-time job and I was a full-time student. I had to keep my responsibilities as a husband, as an employee, and as a student. I have had to be diligent with my duties and tighten my belt for me to continue my studies.
What has your educational journey been like at Loyola?
In the beginning, I was afraid. English is my second language. I wondered if I was at the college level required, so it was a challenge. There were times that it took me a bit more to understand and follow directions. I was returning to school again after a while and I didn’t have the habit to make time to study.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I have the potential and I need to believe in myself. Other people saw that in me and said, “Just do it.” But for me, it was really hard to trust myself. I was always doubting myself. Loyola has taught me to believe and to be an example for others.
How did the professors help you?
They were great. All of them. Every time I reached out, they got back to me on time. They were diligent and they made time for me.
How has Loyola changed you?
I’m more confident now. I feel my interpersonal skills have improved, how I express myself to people, and how I think about what I’m going to say before I say it.
What advice do you have for others who are trying to balance a full-time job and a full-time education?
Believe in yourself. You have the potential. There are going to be obstacles and circumstances that could make you want to give up. You have your teachers, you have your advisors, you have people there who are willing to help you. All you have to do is ask. We need to overcome our inner fears first. Trust yourself. Trust your gut.
What’s next for you?
I need to focus on my wife, my family, my home, and myself. My job is demanding but fulfilling. It’s a modest parish, but it’s very rich spiritually and strong as a community. We have been short-staffed at work, and I want to do all I can to help. It’s an amazing parish.
What’s special about Sacred Heart?
You don’t see boundaries and people aren’t labeled. There are people from Central America, Mexico, South America, etc., but we don’t say, “He’s from El Salvador” or “He’s from Honduras.” You say, “He’s from Sacred Heart.” We help each other as a family and create an atmosphere of welcome. Sacred Heart is my home.
May 2, 2023