Talent Comes into Focus—Coworkers Help College Student Showcase Photography

September 16, 2025

For Rosario, photography was always a fun way to capture unique moments in everyday life. She never seriously contemplated putting her work on public display until her therapist, Edward Meredith, saw what she could do. 

“She showed me her photos, and they looked like something out of a magazine,” Meredith said. “It reminded me of something you would see in a gallery. 

The two discussed the idea of holding a photography showcase at Mercy Home. Rosario was initially hesitant. Her college schedule was busy as she worked to graduate with her associate’s degree. But after finding herself with more free time following graduation, she revisited the idea. Our coworkers helped Rosario prepare an exhibit just before she transitioned out of Mercy Home and left for her first year at Dominican University, where she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Mercy Home coworkers from numerous departments pitched in to help Rosario put together the exhibition. Wes Kinard of Mercy Home’s communications department served as Rosario’s photography mentor and worked closely with her to develop an exhibition that best showcased her creativity. 

Our printing service, Mission Press then produced the images for the event while our facilities team helped prepare a space to rival Chicago’s finest galleries. 

The result of this collaboration was “Where the Light Listens” held at Mercy Home in August. Rosario’s family members, friends, Mercy Home coworkers, and young people in our residential programs attended.

“I was really happy with all the people that went,” Rosario said. “Seeing everyone supporting me, and people taking their time to see the [showcase], that meant a lot to me. [It] made me realize that this is something that I love.”

The exhibition also revealed a creative side that Rosario’s family didn’t know about. 

“They were pretty inspired by [my photos],” she said.  

One set of photos that Rosario was particularly proud of are the photos she took of her sister. That session taught her real-world lessons on conducting a photo shoot involving other people.

“I was able to learn from my sister [on how to make the subject feel comfortable],” Rosario said. “That gave me the experience to [direct my subjects].”

Encouraging young people to discover and develop their interests and pursue hobbies helps promote healing, learning, and growth and can open up unexpected opportunities for the future. When a young person feels supported and enjoys success in one endeavor, it helps them build confidence and motivation to thrive in others. The arts have been especially positive outlets at Mercy Home that help our young people form their identities and develop emotionally, while also driving academic success. 

Meredith has been Rosario’s therapist for over a year and is proud of how far she has come since coming to Mercy Home.  

“Seeing Rosario’s growth, it’s amazing to see,” Meredith said. “She’s learned how to appreciate herself more and believe in herself more.”

Kinard has also noticed her growth, especially as a photographer.

“Rosario has a very special gift of photography,” Kinard said. “Her ability to capture many types of subjects in their element is truly remarkable. I’m so proud of how she’s grown as a photographer, and how she’s using her creativity as a vehicle to inspire people to see the world through a different lens.”

We’re grateful to our generous donors who provide us with the resources we use to leverage our young people’s passions and talents in building lasting success.