Editor’s Note: Today we feature a mom who is part of the Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County partner program. On Thursday April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., Habitat will host a free Women’s Build Clinic at Lowe’s. This is geared toward women interested in volunteering with Habitat in 2014, and will include basic safety instruction on using power tools, framing, siding, roofing and painting. More information is available via the Habitat for Humanity website.
Tiana Harris is passionate about seeing the world – but also about being at home. In 2014-15, Harris will become a Habitat for Humanity partner family, putting in 250 hours of sweat equity into building her home. The 27-year-old mother enjoys learning about and experiencing other cultures and languages, particularly Spanish-speaking. While earning her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois, she studied abroad in Spain and Ecuador. Her career goal is to become a study abroad advisor at a university and encourage more students to see the world. She lives in Urbana with her 6-month-old baby boy, Honcho.
See why we think Tiana Harris is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: What attracted you to the Habitat program?
I have always wanted to own my own home, but like many others, didn’t think it would ever be possible. I’ve witnessed time and time again how Habitat has made other people’s dreams of becoming a homeowner a reality, which really amazed me and gave me hope that it I too could become a homeowner.
Q: What have you learned about yourself throughout the project?
I’ve learned to have more faith in myself and that I am blessed beyond words. I tend to not go for certain jobs or opportunities because I don’t think I’m qualified enough. However, this has changed my way of thinking to be more optimistic, and less pessimistic.
Q: What would be in your dream home?
That’s a great question…I’ve really only thought about what would be on the outside. I’ve always wanted a wrap-around porch and a kitchen that leads to an outdoor deck. I want a backyard with a mini playground for my son and a fire pit so we can roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Inside, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a master bedroom with a sitting area, and a luxury en suite bathroom and walk-in closet. I would also like a more open concept because I like to entertain.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about having your own home?
I would say providing the same sense of stability for Honcho, which my mom provided for me. My mom purchased our home when I was in the first grade. It has been a blessing to stay in the same house almost my whole life. I have gotten to know my neighbors over the years and we become more like family. I was able to grow up with the same kids from elementary until now and for many people, that doesn’t happen too often. Not to mention, it’s only a few blocks from my mom’s house, his daycare, and future school.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Champaign-Urbana with your baby so far?
Well, I don’t really know, we haven’t done much since it is just starting to warm up. He appears to love the outdoors, so we’ll probably go for lots of walks and trips to the park. He’s also very nosey, maybe curious is a better word….He likes to see new things, so just about anywhere we go is an adventure.
Q: Mother’s Day is around the corner. How do you plan to celebrate your first “official” Mother’s Day?
Hmmmm…For starters, Honcho will be wearing a really cute onesie that says “My First Mother’s Day”. Then we’ll probably have a play date at the park. My mother and I usually go out to eat (her pick), so that’s probably what we’ll do next. I’m almost 100% sure that dinner will be his favorite, because he loves to eat. LBS. I will say that he takes after his mom, who also loves to eat!
Q: Tell me something most people don’t know about you?
One of my favorite music pieces is the Messiah by George Frederic Handel, I love the song Pie Jesu sung by Andrew Johnston on Britain’s Got Talent, and I have a travel bucket list.
Want to nominate a Chambana mom or dad to know? Contact us!