June at CRSM marks significant endings and beginnings. No sooner did we say goodbye to the class of 2021 at an in-person graduation – the first in our new gym – than we greeted our incoming 9th graders to their first week of training and assessments for the Corporate Work Study Program. In some ways, it felt like we were climbing Mount 2020-2021 all school year, finally summiting it at graduation, only to look out from the great heights we achieved to see Mount 2021-2022 looming even higher before us.
The year ahead is shaping up to be something much more like a pre-COVID experience, at least academically. We are planning to hold all classes in-person starting in August and, as of today, 83% of all returning students have received at least their first vaccine dose. That is a significant number given that only about 59% of people in IL have received at least their first dose. Families are already on notice that we expect 100% of students to be vaccinated by the start of school. That also means that 100% of student-workers going to work will be full-vaccinated.
Unfortunately, even as we plan for a much more normal looking school year, the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is not experiencing the same rapid recovery. Only about 30% of our business partners have signed their job contracts for students to come to work in the coming year. That is the precise number of committed jobs we had at this time last year before vaccines!
So, we are preparing to start the school year with many students out of work. As we develop those plans, we are also hoping they will be an unnecessary contingency – we are hoping that our business partners will have their employees – and our students – returning to work by the end of summer. We are already hearing some of our larger partners discussing timelines and protocols for in-person work that will allow our student workers to re-engage with professionals in their workplaces but, many are not in a position to commit to hard dates. We are praying hard that the majority of our students will have a CWSP experience this fall that, like their academic experience, will look a whole lot more like it is meant to be – an experience of building relationships and contributing in adult business situations while also earning nearly 60% of the cost of their college-prep education.
Students have really missed the work study experience since lock-down and many are yearning to return to being with their coworkers and supervisors. This unique and transformative experience is so elemental to our educational model, we have acutely felt its absence – feeling we were not fully ourselves as a school for the last 15 months. While 25% of students worked remotely during COVID this past year and another 15% worked in-person, the absence of 60% of our jobs took a toll on the school beyond simply having students out-of-work. We have had to adjust our finances to make up for the loss of work study revenue and focus on growing the number of charitable donations. So many people have stepped up, knowing we have been fighting the economic fallout of lockdown with our formidable CWSP arm tied behind our back. Thank God for our donors and friends who recognized our predicament and helped us through.
The important message is that we are not out of the woods yet. The return-to-work is taking longer than we dreamed and will likely continue through the end of this calendar year and beyond. If anything, the biggest lesson of this virus has been that I consistently underestimated the time we would be battling it. When we shut down in March 2019, I sincerely thought it would only be for a few weeks, then as reality started to set in, I thought we would be back in-person for the 2020-2021 school year. It really was not until August of 2020 that I fully realized we could lose another entire school year.
Here we are in August 2021 and we are still slowly, slowly just starting to come back. I am reminded of a prayer from the Jesuit, Teilhard de Chardin:
“Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.
And so, I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.”
We can’t force a come-back, we must let things unfold at their own pace. Many people are still grappling with the pandemic, the vaccine, and – let’s face it – the psychological as well as physical toll this has taken on so many. As CRSM enters the 2021-2022 school year, we believe God’s hand is leading us and we seek solace during this time of suspense and incompleteness in the idea that God is laboring with us during these times and that the future holds great goodness and grace for all of us. We just have to be patient and believe.
Since her graduation from CRSM in 2013, Czier-Anne earned two bachelor’s degrees – Physics from Loyola University and Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. She took time out to speak with me about her early struggles with the English language, her deep involvement with CRSM, her heroes, and the continuing use of her talent in the sciences.
Thanks so much for making time for me Czier-Anne. I just have to ask about your name; it is singular. Am I pronouncing it right? [laughing] No worries, most people ask! It’s pronounced: SHARE -Anne. My Mom wanted me to have a unique name, so she threw in a “z” and a hyphen…it’s turned out to be a really good conversation starter. In anatomy class, there were three of us sitting right next to each other; there was me, a Sharon and a Sheron, now that was confusing!
You’ve only been out of CRSM for eight years, you own two degrees and you’ve been with your company for three years. That seems…unlikely. Well, I was lucky enough to have been a part of a dual degree program. It allowed me to earn my Physics degree from Loyola University Chicago and go directly into Chemical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. I was able to earn two degrees in five years.
You finished in 2018 and went to work at Sensient in the in the BioNutrients division.Yes, I started at Sensient Technologies Corporation in an intensive account manager training program. I spent the majority of my time in the R&D rotation learning ways to provide nutrients for human, animal, and plant health applications. I’m now an account manager working with customers to provide natural solutions to address microbial, animal, and plant needs.
I’m not clear on the connection with your degree in Physics and your work in bio-nutrients. I always liked Chemistry, and during Work Study at Abbott Laboratories I was leaning toward Pharmaceuticals. But Ms. Bonerjee [Physics instructor, Cristo Rey] inspired me at CRSM. So, I chose Physics as a major. It’s harder than Chemistry. I thought, if I can get through Physics, I can get through anything. Truth is, there’s a lot of Physics involved in Chemical Engineering.
I’d like to go back and talk about your time in Waukegan and your decision to choose CRSM? My family came to the United States from the Phillippines when I was four. We moved to Waukegan to be close to family. I needed to attend a primary school that offered an ESL program (English as a Second Language). And though I struggled with English, I was dreaming of attending a top 20 college. So, when a CRSM Ambassador came to our school and talked with me, that was it. I told my mom that CRSM was where I wanted to go.
Things went well for you at Cristo Rey? In every way. Cristo Rey inspired me to be better, language skills included. The Work Study Program taught me how important that is. Henry Broch Foods, American Hotel Register Company, Kraft Foods, Abbott Labs, all my work study experiences were important. CRSM is responsible for my winning the Cristo Rey Scholarship and the Gates Millenium Scholarship
Were you heavily involved in school activities? I wanted to participate in every activity that time would allow. Campus Ministry, PADS, No. IL Food Bank, Miserecordia, Volleyball, Soccer, the National Honors Society, The Eco Club, Prom & Homecoming Committees, Student Government, Yearbook Club, Matheletes, Multicultural Club.
I’m amazed that you had the time to study; you had a 4.0 grade point at CRSM. You mentioned your Physics teacher, were there any other influencers at school? Any Heroes? There were many at Cristo Rey. Mr. Horcher is why I enjoy Math so much. But I have to say the real hero in my life will always be my mother. She immigrated to the US, worked factory jobs, learned the language, studied to become a citizen, and went on to become a nurse. She is a workaholic! We didn’t have too much, but she persisted. Watching her succeed as I grew up set an example.
She sounds like a remarkable person. I had a dream that someday I would be able to buy her a home. This past September, I moved her into a house I purchased in Gurnee. Actually, she exemplifies the “Grit” that Dr. O always talks about. Funny story, in college I remember when I was not wanting to go to class, maybe tired or sick, needing more sleep, my alarm would go off and I would see Mr. O – talking about grit with his hand over his fist, [laughs] and I would get out of bed. I never missed a class while I was at Loyola University.
I know Mr. O is going to enjoy hearing that! Any advice for young aspiring Cristo Rey people? Yes, two things: Continue to practice grit; it really helped me through college and with my job. Be Grateful; eventually you will succeed, and when you do, being grateful will keep you humble despite your accomplishments
Josh graduated from CRSM in 2017. I spoke with him just after he received his degree in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics from Loyola University. Josh is a study in humility and competence. His record of achievement is remarkable given his young age – and there is much more to come.
Thanks so much for making time for me, I hear you’re getting ready to travel. Getting some rest after graduation? Yes, I’m heading down to Florida for a short vacation. I have a little time before I start my new job.
Wow, a new job already. Where will you be working? Discover Financial has offered me a position. I’m very excited, I received an offer quickly after my interview. This would not have happened without Ms. Hocter ( Director, Alumni Career Support), she found the opportunity and supported me through the whole process. It’s two-year rotational program, Business & Finance and then Data Analytics. I’ve been learning new software programs like Tableau and a few others that I may need.
I know you did well at CRSM, a 3.9 GPA, and received a full scholarship to Loyola University. But you were in a new environment – in a challenging major. How was the transition to college? It was difficult. The academic workload was intense. I had to take Biology, Calculus and Physics in my first semester. The fact is, Loyola University is a predominantly white institution, and I wasn’t used to that. But a few things made my adjustment easier. The Corporate Work Study taught me how to change and adapt to new situations, to not feel intimidated, and to learn as you go. And spending time with the Cristo Rey Scholars community gave me an avenue to reach out and meet new people.
That’s a full schedule – new surroundings and a tough academic load. It turned out well? It did. I graduated Cum Laude with a 3.6 GPA.
That is impressive, keeping so many things going in the right direction. What’s your secret? [laughing] Well, I think my mother set an example of working hard for what you want. Her path to citizenship was long and difficult. She had to find a job, learn the language and raise kids as a single mom.
She had to come home late from work, so I took on a father role with my siblings. I had to make sure that dinner was on the table, and they had done their homework properly. I felt I had to set an example with good grades.
She sounds like an impressive woman. That’s only part of the story. Because she got so much help from the government when she was struggling, she wanted to give back. So, she began working with residents and immigrants, helping them with their language skills, navigating the pathway to citizenship and guiding them toward available resources. Eventually she worked with a company that became part of Catholic Charities.
You came to Cristo Rey St. Martin after public grammar school and had to jump into a work environment. I wanted to go to Waukegan High School with my friends, but my mother insisted on CRSM. She wasn’t wrong. [laughing] I really liked Work Study. I liked dressing like a professional.
Did working in a corporate environment come easy to you. Not really, not at first. I worked all four years at Takeda Pharmaceutical. We were the first group that worked there. I was really nervous, especially when I walked into that huge office building on my first day. But I learned a lot. I learned how to speak clearly and how to develop professional skills.
Work Study and Academics were strong for you. Were you involved in other activities?
I really liked volunteering with Campus Ministry. I volunteered quite a bit with Northern Illinois Food Bank and PADS. I was in Student Council, and I was a Student Ambassador. I was in EcoClub. I’ve always loved deriving answers in math, coming to the right answer by myself. I participated in the Ignatian Trips to Washington, DC with both CRSM and Loyola University. Those trips were really important.
Thanks for spending the time with me. Is there a lesson or strategy that has become important to you as you experience successes in your life? I would say that it’s good to be uncomfortable. Reach out and grow. Keep in touch with your faith and friends and families; but we live in a society where we can’t stay only with the friends or the positions that we currently have. Take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, because if we don’t, we become sedentary.
Principal Odiotti was selected as the winner of the prestigious Golden Apple Leadership Award from a nominated group of more than 120 school leaders from across Illinois.
On May 1 we will hold our annual Founders’ Dinner. The event will be virtual and last just over 20 minutes – but those minutes are jampacked – we have alumni, students, and others sharing uplifting stories. Fr. John P. Foley, SJ will also be joining us since 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the Cristo Rey movement; the silver anniversary of the opening of our sister school, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago – the first of now 37 Cristo Rey schools nationwide and growing.
Appropriately, the theme of the Founders’ Event is “Silver Linings” and it is all about finding bright spots of light and hope during this dark and cloudy pandemic. Not surprisingly, the bright spots for CRSM are our people. Tough times bring out the best in some people. Our Principal Mike Odiotti has been quoting the famous coach, John Wooden who said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Attitude is such an important factor in our ability to endure, survive and prosper in the face of challenges or disappointments.
I am so proud of how our school – students, faculty, staff, donors, and Corporate Work Study job partners –has collectively responded to the COVID crisis. They really have embodied the term “Persons for Others,” people who turn outward to be present and assist those around them, rather than turning inward in despair.
In order to have silver linings, there must be clouds. Darkness makes any light seem even brighter. Goodness shown in bad times is valued even more, precisely because of its rarity. Our Campus Minister Jim Dippold has been and continues to be an absolute hero over this last year. He has shown himself to be one of the silver-est linings amid all the virus fallout, organizing food distribution drives with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and rallying our student volunteers. The distribution events continue every other week in our parking lot – feeding 1,000 families at a time. It is both heartbreaking because so many people are in desperate need and heartening because we can do something to help. Jim sets a wonderful example by staying focused on what we can do rather than what we cannot.
Another area where CRSM is shining is in being able to host vaccine clinics for the greater community. We are so grateful to all our donors who made our current campus possible. Without the large parking lot and the beautifully finished inside space of the old Kmart, our efforts to assist would have been greatly curtailed. Over the last couple months we hosted events that allowed 2,500 first-responders, healthcare workers, essential workers, and persons over 65 years to get both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Starting just last week and running every weekend until August, we partnered with the Lovell Veterans Hospital and Naval Station Great Lakes to provide enough Moderna vaccines for almost 14,000 veterans and their caregivers, active duty personnel and their families, and base workers to get immunized.
A number of articles have come out recently discussing the mental health traumas that people are experiencing during the lockdown, especially teenagers. Many CRSM students are expressing feelings of increased depression, heightened anxiety, concern for their families’ health and welfare, and loneliness. They are not alone. Our faculty and staff are experiencing much the same.
Being able to make the best of COVID by serving others in need and supplying vaccines to combat the virus are a couple ways we can try to fight off the negative toll of this pandemic. They are by no means a cure but they help strengthen our mental resilience.
The Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda wrote, “You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.” One of the gospel readings following Easter Sunday recalls how two disciples are walking to the town of Emmaus, completely demoralized after Jesus’ crucifixion and death and disillusioned that this human manifestation of Christ died after promising eternal life. They meet a man on the road who feigns no knowledge of Jesus. As the disciples describe Jesus’ life and teachings to the stranger, the fire Jesus sparked in their hearts when he was alive is rekindled. That evening they invite the stranger to supper and, in the breaking of the bread, they recognize that this stranger is Jesus risen from the dead. As soon as they recognize him, he disappears from their eyes. We are those two disciples. COVID has brought suffering and demoralizes us but in small gestures like food distribution, vaccines events, caring for one another, we have the opportunity to recognize God at work through us, in us, and with us. In those brief moments, we are invited to rise above the suffering and remember that we belong to one another.
Yes, many flowers have been cut and, yes, many clouds still hover over us; but spring is coming, COVID can’t stop it; there are silver linings to be found; and God is with us even at this very moment – inviting us to reveal him to others in small gestures of love. God bless you and yours during this wonderful season of hope and thank you for supporting CRSM. ¡Viva Cristo Rey!
