by Miranda Eby | Aug 27, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Preparing CRSM students to enter the workplace with confidence would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who generously donate their time, talent, and professional expertise. During Freshman Corporate Work Study Program Training Week, volunteers helped our incoming students develop essential workplace skills through interactive speed networking and Shark Tank-style activities.
During the speed networking event, students rotated through conversations with volunteers and practiced introducing themselves, making professional small talk, asking thoughtful questions and communicating with supervisors. Volunteers also discussed workplace expectations, including how to stay productive during slower periods, communicate when stepping away, and respond professionally after making a mistake.
Amy Wagliardo of Gorton Center was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm. “Every time I come to one of these, I am amazed at the energy and excitement the students have, the insights they have and the questions they ask,” she said.
AbbVie volunteers Dimitri Rhaburn and Sara Carbajal also helped students prepare for situations they may encounter in their new roles. Carbajal emphasized the importance of strong communication, explaining that “having a broader perspective on communication skills will help the students to be amazing in the workplace.”
Students later put many of those skills into action during a Shark Tank-style challenge. Working in teams, they created original businesses or products and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges from AbbVie. The activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking while challenging students to answer questions and respond to professional feedback.
Together, the events gave freshmen a supportive space to practice the interpersonal and professional skills they will soon use at their Corporate Work Study placements. CRSM is grateful to all the volunteers who shared their time and expertise as our newest students prepare to take their first steps into the workplace.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 27, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight
Cristo Rey St. Martin alumna Arlette Silva, Class of 2024, has come full circle this summer as the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) Summer Intern. Now entering her junior year at Fairfield University, where she is majoring in Nursing with a minor in Spanish, Arlette is helping prepare the next generation of Cristo Rey students for success.
Throughout the summer, Arlette has coordinated a college visit to Lake Forest College, communicated with incoming freshmen and their families, tracked compliance training, and supported students as they prepare to begin their work placements this fall. She has also developed new technical skills, including leading an Excel workshop for students.
For Arlette, the internship has been an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. She credits the experience with strengthening her communication, teamwork, organization, and confidence. While she plans to pursue a career in nursing, she knows the skills she has gained this summer will serve her wherever her career takes her.
Reflecting on her experience, Arlette shared, “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and everything I’ve learned from the people I work alongside. I’ve learned job skills, but I’ve also learned how to be part of a team and show up for each other.”
We are proud to welcome Arlette back to Cristo Rey St. Martin and grateful for the passion, professionalism, and dedication she brings to the Corporate Work Study Program. We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the years ahead.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 27, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Earlier this summer, CRSM welcomed incoming freshmen to campus for Corporate Work Study training, an important first step as they prepared to enter professional workplaces during the school year.
As part of the June training experience, students participated in an engaging presentation from Christopher Carter, the mentalist who performed at last year’s Elevate Festival and will return again for this year’s event. Carter used interactive mentalist acts to bring leadership lessons to life, encouraging students to think critically, communicate with confidence, stay focused, and recognize the power of observation. The session offered students a memorable and exciting way to begin building the skills they will need in the workplace. As they continued training, our newest students learned what it means to lead with confidence, professionalism, and purpose.
The presentation provided an unforgettable start to their Corporate Work Study journey, reinforcing the professional skills and mindset needed for success. Throughout the training, our newest students began building the confidence, professionalism, and purpose that will prepare them to make meaningful contributions in the workplace from day one.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 27, 2026 | Academic, School News
Sometimes, the best way to imagine yourself in college is to actually step onto a college campus.
This summer, a mix of CRSM rising juniors and seniors did just that, visiting Hope College, Lake Forest College, Illinois State University, and the University of Illinois Springfield. For many students, these trips were their first opportunity to experience a college campus firsthand.
“These trips give students the chance to see firsthand what different colleges have to offer, ask questions, and begin thinking about what they want in their own college experience,” reflected College Counselor Ana Aguilar.
The visits often lead to moments of discovery. Aguilar shared that students return saying things like, “I definitely want to apply here,” or, “I didn’t know this school offered that.” Those reactions are exactly what make the trips so valuable. Students are able to compare campus environments, learn about academic programs and opportunities, and begin narrowing down what matters most to them in their college search.
Most importantly, the visits are provided at no cost to students, making these experiences accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel to different campuses.
As Aguilar explained, “College trips help make the college search feel more accessible and real, while giving our students the confidence and information they need to make informed decisions about their future.”
By the end of the summer, students returned to CRSM with more than brochures and campus photos. They came back with a clearer picture of what college can look like and, for some, a new school at the top of their list.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 27, 2026 | Campus Ministry, School News
This summer, Cristo Rey St. Martin students joined young people from Viatorian schools and parishes across the country for the 2026 Viatorian Youth Congress (VYC), held July 27–30 at Casa Iskali in Des Plaines. The annual retreat gives students opportunities to deepen their Catholic faith, explore their Viatorian identity, build leadership skills and experience new forms of prayer together.
For Geraldine ’28, who attended VYC for the second time, the experience provided a welcoming place to continue growing in her faith. “VYC was amazing,” she shared. “It was a safe space for me to express my faith and encouraged me to strengthen my faith with God.” Students experienced several different approaches to prayer, including praying through art and even using Play-Doh. Geraldine said the experience reminded her “to see the good in everything” and inspired her to one day return as a Young Adult Leader.
Jimena ’28 also valued the opportunity to connect with students beyond CRSM. “I really enjoyed VYC because I got to meet different young people from different Viatorian communities,” she said. She especially appreciated the support of the Young Adult Leaders in her small group, who made her feel comfortable and reassured even when she did not have much to share.
Along with prayer and reflection, students enjoyed games, conversations, and time to simply get to know one another. For Jimena, it was a welcome opportunity to step away from academics and build relationships with other young people who share the Viatorian community.
Through experiences like VYC, CRSM students are able to strengthen their faith, form new friendships, and discover new ways to live out the Viatorian values that are part of our school community.
