Community Fellows Blog Posts

My first experience with Cristo Rey San José wasn’t through the Community Fellows Program—it was as a student. Now that I’m back as a Fellow, it feels familiar, but I’m seeing the school in a totally different way. I used to only focus on my classes and work-study placement, but now I get to see everything that happens behind the scenes. It’s made me realize just how much work and coordination go into supporting students and making sure the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) runs smoothly every single day. 

One of the biggest surprises has been how many urgent and time-sensitive issues CWSP deals with on a daily basis. There’s always something happening—schedule changes, transportation questions, supervisor calls, or unexpected updates that need fast solutions. Watching the team handle all of this in real time has shown me how much effort goes into keeping operations steady. Along with CWSP, I also support Alumni Career Services (ACS) by helping with weekly career posts and contributing to the alumni newsletter. One accomplishment I’m really proud of was helping CWSP create its first-ever newsletter. Being part of that process made me appreciate how much communication matters for keeping students, families, and partners updated. 

As a Fellow, I hope to contribute by bringing my perspective as a Cristo Rey alumna and using the skills I’ve built—organization, communication, and being able to take on whatever is needed. I want to help lighten the workload, bring in new ideas, and support projects that make things easier for students and staff. Cristo Rey played a big role in my own education and opportunities, so being able to give back in this way feels meaningful. 

Overall, this experience has helped me understand the school in a deeper way. I’m grateful to be part of work that supports students both in high school and beyond, and I’m excited to keep growing and contributing throughout the rest of my fellowship.

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