Evan Lopez graduates after 4 years of living at the Sahara!
Four years ago, our son (Evan) traveled from California to Tucson to enter the University of Arizona (“UofA…#157”) as a Freshman and to reside at the Sahara Apartments…where did the time go?
As my husband and I prepare for graduation day and reflect fondly on the past four years, we would be remiss if we did not share how we came to find a home for Evan at Sahara Apartments. Our initial plan to purchase a home in Tucson fell through the cracks and with only two weeks remaining before commencing classes, we did not have a backup plan for where Evan would reside.
In a panic, I contacted UofA to explain our dilemma, but unfortunately, the dorms were full and there was a long waiting list. I was transferred to Off-Campus Housing ("OCH") and directed to their website that provided what seemed like an endless list of off-campus living.
I spoke with an OCH representative and asked for a recommendation of one of the apartment complexes on the list. The representative informed me it was against UofA’s policy for her to endorse any given facility. However, she assured me that all were reputable and had been vetted/approved by UofA. The task before us was daunting…how to sift through the numerous listings to find the right student living facility.
First impressions are everything, and even more so when one must rely on the person at the other end of the phone to guide one through their facility - sight unseen. I had the pleasure of first speaking with a student employee in the front office of Sahara Apartments who was most helpful, informative and very patient in answering my initial questions about the facility. He fully understood my apprehension and immediately offered to have the proprietor, Ted Mehr, phone me upon returning to his office.
As promised, Mr. Mehr returned my call and again, I was impressed with the professional courtesy and care provided to me over the phone. Utilizing The Sahara’s website, Mr. Mehr walked me through the property, and I was able to get comfortable with his facility.
My questions were numerous! Mr. Mehr was extremely helpful and informative, and he took the time to understand what it was we were looking for in terms of student living. I was especially impressed with the questions Mr. Mehr asked of Evan, specifically as they related to Evan’s goals and aspirations over the next four years, his personality traits, study habits, what kind of college life experience he was looking for (i.e., study vs. party environment), etc. Needless to say, by the end of our conversation, a decision was reached and Evan agreed to make the Sahara his “home away from home."
As it turned out, Sahara is truly an ideal “home away from home," not just because of the “Quiet Environment” and the “No Party” atmosphere that prevails at Sahara, but also for the long list of amenities offered at Sahara that you will discover as you browse their website.
For example, Sahara sponsors social events for the residents both on and off site. On those occasions when events are held offsite, Sahara provides the transportation for the residents to attend those events. Sahara also provides transportation during the day to and from UofA, while UofA’s Safe Ride Program travels outside the campus grounds in the evenings to pick-up and drop-off students who reside at Sahara.
The security alone is a major comfort to parents who are concerned with their son/daughter living in a safe community. It is especially comforting to know that Mr. Mehr is genuinely concerned with the safety and well being of all the students. On those occasions when I had questions or a need to “check-in,” I would phone Mr. Mehr who was always gracious to speak with me and provide assurance that “all was well.”
As you will notice from the letter posted on their website, Sahara does actually deliver on its promises and all that is communicated on their website is not just “marketing hype.”
Mr. Mehr himself is a “hands-on” owner who is on the premises daily and guides not only his professional housekeeping, maintenance and grounds-keeping staff, but also his staff of student employees who work in the front office (Mr. Mehr offers employment opportunities, upon availability, to students).
The professional staff at Sahara are dedicated and loyal individuals, who have been employed for as long as my son resided at Sahara (if not longer). They are the same individuals, who greeted and interacted with me year after year, and who (together with Mr. Mehr) look after both the Sahara premises and its residents.
On those occasions when we visited our son, Mr. Mehr was front and center to greet us and we were always made to feel at home while at Sahara. As an aside, Sahara offers very competitive hotel rates to friends and family members who come into town to visit students for a period of time and need a place to stay.
Four years ago, the OCH could not provide an endorsement of any one facility listed on their website, but as parents whose son has lived and fully experienced student life at Sahara, it is our privilege to wholeheartedly endorse Sahara Apartments, Mr. Mehr, and his staff.
We cannot say enough about the vast opportunities living at Sahara Apartments offers those students who are focused on achieving a well rounded college experience (with just the right balance between studies and social activities). We are proud to say that our son has excelled in his studies, has matured into a fine young man, developed long lasting friendships/relationships, has abundantly enjoyed his social activities (including sports), and is most appreciative of his college life experience at Sahara.
In closing, our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sahara, Mr. Mehr, and his staff for contributing to that college life experience. To every parent and student who is fortunate enough to discover Sahara Apartments, we wish you the same wonderful experience we have been blessed with over the past four years.
Hector, Margie and Evan Lopez
