Being a part of the inaugural graduating class at Cristo Rey has been a massive honor. It has been great watching the school continue to grow right before my eyes.

I grew up in a home with a strong emphasis on education, and my parents always set the bar very high for me. My mother has her master’s degree in criminal justice and saw firsthand the impact of not having a high-quality education. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Cristo Rey opened a year later than it was supposed to. I had my heart set on Cristo Rey for the work-study program as well as the academic rigor. I even turned down full-ride scholarships to other prestigious private schools because I knew Cristo Rey would be my home.

My education at Cristo Rey has been more than just education; it has opened the door to many different opportunities. I have always taken my education seriously, and because of that, I believe I have a leg up on the competition.

My family has always made sure that my passion for learning was there and they helped cultivate my inquisitive nature about the world around me.

I believe every child should have a high-quality education because it sets them up for the rest of their life. I was fortunate to be around a family that prioritizes education. I fully realize it’s not like that for every child. Those are the children we should be fighting for. I am so thankful for my friends and teachers at Cristo Rey, who have helped shape me into the person I am today.