Alum Rock Neighborhood Orientation and Visit to the Cristo Rey High School
Over the past two weeks our class has been fortunate enough to experience the Alum Rock neighborhood first-hand and get to know the owners of the small businesses we are partnering with.
On January 21st we had our neighborhood orientation where we visited Cristo Rey High School to meet students and get a better sense of the community. I was humbled by some of the students who presented their stories, which gave us insight to their background and their success attending Cristo Rey. Additionally, it was great to break into small groups to meet students individually and also share with them our Santa Clara University experience. The students also gave us advice on how to continue immersing ourselves into the Alum Rock community; highlighting that the local church is a great place to meet residents of the community.
After visiting Cristo Rey, we walked around Alum Rock neighborhood and met with the business owners for lunch. It was awesome hearing about their businesses, getting a sense of their needs, and understanding their strengths. It made me very excited about the class and working with Immaculate Cleaning on their business needs.
As we are forming groups and starting to talk more with our respective business owners, excitement and nerves are in the air, but I think we all are looking forward to what’s ahead.