Anni

Kiku Crossing, San Mateo

Public-sector employee appreciates affordable rent, kind community, and opportunities to further her career goals.

In her own words:

I’ve been living on the Peninsula since I was 12 years old—from middle school through high school, community college, and college. I’m currently a federal employee, and I work from home four days a week. It’s amazing to have a space that’s a safe, good environment where I can get my work done, and then during my lunch break, I can walk to Central Park with my dog. It’s close to everything!

I’ve been working in the legal field for almost 10 years and have done internships for San Mateo County and in San Francisco. Because my rent is more affordable now, I was able to invest in getting my paralegal certificate, which I just completed. I would love to go to law school one day, and maybe focus on immigration, criminal, or family law.

Before Kiku Crossing, I was living at an apartment in Belmont, smaller than where I live now, but the rent was much higher. When I was younger, my mom and I moved around a lot from place to place. This apartment has allowed me to be on my own, with the stability that we’re all in search of.

The people I’ve met at Kiku Crossing are warm and kind, and there’s a strong sense of community here. I also find it interesting and helpful that MidPen offers lots of resources and workshops to residents. Like everyone else who lives here, I’m really grateful to come home to Kiku Crossing.