Dr. Odiotti recently received an email from Marcos Arnold (CRSM’23, now at Colorado College) that perfectly captures the heart of CRSM’s call to “claim your education.”
Writing from his dorm room, Marcos reflected on how his time at Cristo Rey St. Martin continues to shape his perspective on learning and success.
“I came across an article in the New York Times titled ‘Harvard Students Skip Class and Still Get High Grades,’” Marcos wrote. “It made me think about what ‘success’ in higher education really means. Is it measured by grades alone, or by the relationships, intellectual curiosity, and discussions we engage in within the classroom?”
At Colorado College, Marcos is experiencing a rigorous “Block Plan” system where missing even one day of class can leave students behind. The contrast with peers who sometimes prioritize internships and résumé-building over academics has made him reflect deeply on his own purpose as a student.
“All of this brought me back to our Friday assemblies at CRSM,” he shared, “when we were reminded to ‘claim’ our education rather than simply ‘get’ one. That mindset has stayed with me, pushing me to take risks in classrooms where I am often the only one who looks like me — and to speak up knowing that I have a purpose there.”
Marcos closed his message by expressing gratitude and hope: “I am grateful to still have two more years of reading, learning, and raising my hand in college classrooms as I continue to shape what my own education means to me.”
Dr. Odiotti shared Marcos’ reflection with the CRSM community, noting that it’s “a powerful reminder that a CRSM education — in the classroom, at work, and in service — extends far beyond high school. It forms the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, learning, and meaning.”