Community Fellows Blog Posts

In my first two months at Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School (CRSJ), I have witnessed  something so inspiring, the visible impact of a community rallying around its students. CRSJ’s  mission to provide faith-based education that supports students' whole identity resonates  through every person, hallway, and classroom. What strikes me the most is how this support  system of donors, Corporate Work Study partners, alumni, and CRSJ staff creates a foundation  that extends far beyond academics, preparing students not just for college and their careers, but  for life. 

Working on the Advancement team has opened my eyes to the intricate world of nonprofit  operations. Having never worked in a nonprofit environment before, what surprised me the most  was how much work and intention goes into the advancement and marketing at CRSJ. I came in  with some marketing background, but quickly realized how different nonprofit work is. Every  social media post, every donor email, every event has so much thought and strategy that goes  into reaching the right people at the right time. It has shown me how advancement and  marketing arent just about getting content out there. They are about building relationships with  donors, families, alumni, and students that keep CRSJ’s mission alive and thriving. 

What I love most so far with my time at CRSJ, is the amazing team of women I work alongside.  They have created an environment where my ideas are valued and my contributions matter and  they are eager to hear everything I have to input. I have had the privilege of experiencing  campus life more fully, walking the halls, attending mass, which has helped me start to connect  with the CRSJ community.  

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue building relationships with staff and students and telling  their stories in compelling ways. I want to work on projects that showcase the real impact of  CRSJ education and how the school’s mission transforms students' lives. I am also excited to  continue creating visual content that captures the spirit of this community and helps the CRSJ  community and potential community understand what makes Cristo Rey so special. Ultimately  this fellowship has already shown me how much heart goes into every aspect of this  organization, and I am eager to contribute to that mission in every way I can.

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