I’m a recent graduate of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. I attended Prince of Peace Middle School, and prior to that I received seven years of education in Mexico.
I moved to the United States from Mexico with one of my aunts because I really wanted to pursue my education here in the United States. That is how I found my way to Cristo Rey, which is a college prep school. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m headed to Marquette University.
My parents still live in Mexico, along with the rest of my family. It was very important to my aunt that I attend a Catholic school. So she was very supportive of me attending Cristo Rey. The choice program made that possible.
At Marquette, I plan to study business and law. I am not sure what I want to do yet, but am very interested in social justice and social entrepreneurship. I am exploring those areas and finding where they meet. My hope is to create something that allows me to give back to communities in Milwaukee, specifically the immigrant community and low-income community.
I knew I wanted to go to Cristo Rey because I felt comfortable there given my level of English and because it was a college prep school. My goal was not only to attend high school and graduate from high school, but to also attend and graduate from college. Cristo Rey really promised the support necessary to help me accomplish that goal. Cristo Rey also provided workforce experience. The combination of those three things is something public schools do not offer.
My tuition was covered by the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. This program allows low income students to attend private school. This is important because the economic barriers facing low income students makes it difficult for families to provide educational opportunities for them. The choice program provides opportunities for children that they would not otherwise be able to access. More families should have school choice and opportunities, while also working to make sure all schools are of a high quality.
