2020-2021 Fellow
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School - Advancement Office
Accounting Major
Home Town: Sacramento, California
What were your responsibilities at your internship with the Cristo Rey High School San Jose?
This year I worked with Cristo Rey San Jose High School in their advancement office. In this role, I worked on several projects surrounding fundraising events, grants, and spreadsheet organization. My main project was to be lead spreadsheet organizer of the digital literacy grant, a grant dedicated toward decreasing the digital divide seen in Silicon Valley by giving personal hot spots to low income families during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was also involved in interviewing students for Cristo Rey’s Rey of Hope fundraiser video in the year CRSJ became the first Cristo Rey school to raise over $1 million in a single event. In addition to these main projects, I contributed to the weekly newsletter by creating infographics and writing alumni articles. I also became involved with the Ambassador Program as I had prior ambassador experience at Santa Clara.
In what ways do you think you made positive contributions to the Cristo Rey High School San Jose?
I believe I made positive contributions to Cristo Rey by entering the role with an open mind and an adaptive attitude. In a year with many variables, I knew the role could change given the need of the school at any moment during the year. I never declined a project and became comfortable adapting on the fly with each project Katie and Lydia, my supervisors, gave me. I contributed to the advancement team by leading the spreadsheet organization for the digital literacy grant, which gave 120 personal WIFI hotspots to families in need. With the trust and support of my team, I was also granted the opportunity to lead several interviews with students, alumni, and faculty for various advancement events, grants, and newsletters.
What would you recommend to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community?
My recommendation to LSB students who want to make a difference in the community is to not be afraid getting involved and to get comfortable being uncomfortable in your role. There may be a point when you might think you are biting off more than you can chew, but you can always rely on your team members to help you. Practice clear communication and don’t be afraid to take the lead on a project if granted the opportunity. Becoming a part of the Cristo Rey family taught me so much about how purposeful work can feel so meaningful and I recommend anyone to get involved in any service/fellowship opportunities if they feel drawn to it!