Holy Week and Easter Reflection from Jim Dippold, Director of Campus Ministry

by | Apr 5, 2023 | President’s Pen

*Jim Dippold, Director of Campus Ministry, steps in this month to share this reflection:

A favorite reflection of mine at this time of the year is Sister Thea Bowman’s piece entitled “Let Us Resolve to Make This Week Holy.” It is a litany of ways that we can act in our lives, making this week holy, rather than simply sitting back, and observing the most important days of our Christian faith. She calls us to participation – in the liturgies and spiritual practices of the week and in the sufferings, struggles and joys of our families and neighbors and the global community … the places where God is present today, where God is crucified and where the spirit brings hope and new life. The implication is that it is not really, of course, a holy week, if we choose not to act, to live our faith in concrete, practical ways.

At CRSM, we have heard Sr. Bowman’s reflection throughout this week for morning prayer and we have seen her words along with images of the Stations of the Cross projected on the monitors in the cafeteria:

Let us resolve to make this week holy by claiming Christ’s redemptive grace and by living holy lives …

Let us take time this week to be present to someone who suffers …

Let us sing, “Lord, have mercy,” and “Hosanna” …

Let us praise the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, uniting the suffering church throughout the world …

Let us break bread together, let us relive the holy and redemptive mystery …

Let us resolve to make this week holy by sharing holy peace and joy within our families … with the needy, the alienated, the lonely, the sick and afflicted, the untouchable …

Let us be practical, reaching out across the boundaries of race and class and status to help somebody, to encourage and affirm somebody, offering to the young an incentive to learn and grow …

During this Holy week, when Jesus gave his life for love, let us truly love one another.

And this is the central mystery of our faith. To love one another. With Jesus. With the God who accompanies us through our sufferings and seeks to bring us to new life. Our world is broken. We see that truth in so many ways around us. The Good News that we celebrate this weekend and, in the weeks, to come is that our world is also, at its core, beautiful and redeemed, and that God’s love and mercy triumph over death and darkness. God is good! In our Easter celebration we have reason for that belief.

Whether we realize it or not, we all live this mystery, day in and day out. And at CRSM, in so many ways, we are blessed to walk with one another and to be a part of Christ’s redemptive grace. This is centered on our students and families and includes our staff, of course, but also extends to all those who make it possible to live the mission – our board and benefactors, business partners and endorsing communities, and beyond. By our actions and choices and participation in the mission of Cristo Rey St. Martin, we make this week holy … along with every other week of the Christian life.

¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En Verdad ha resucitado!

Volunteer Licensed Social Worker Helps Support Students’ Emotional Well-being

Volunteer Licensed Social Worker Helps Support Students’ Emotional Well-being

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Academic

It’s hard enough being a teenager on a good day. But the conditions that accompanied the social distancing of the COVID-19 pandemic seem to have exacerbated the painful parts of adolescence. National statistics reflect a steep rise in teen mental health issues during the last few years. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows 57% of teen girls in the U.S. felt “persistently sad or hopeless” in 2021.

That’s why CRSM is especially grateful for the volunteer work of Gina Dahiya, a licensed social worker who is volunteering her time to help CRSM’s two-person counseling staff meet the growing needs of students. They provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for students in need of social and emotional support.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, Gina meets individually with students in a private conference room to help them create coping strategies for emotional difficulties such as depression, stress, grief, and family problems. She arrives armed with a toolkit of anxiety and stress-busters, which she spreads across the table for easy access: coloring books, colored pens and rainbow-colored pop-push fidget toys.

“Mostly I feel that I just listen and validate their feelings,” says Gina, a mother of four high school and young adult children. “Many of them will state from the get-go ‘I don’t need advice. I just really want someone to listen.

Gina, who completed her Masters of Social Work just as the COVID pandemic hit, says she is very impressed by the students, faculty, staff and greater CRSM community

“I’m learning how resilient teens can be,” she says. “They are at a time in their lives when there is a lot of stress worrying about getting into college and all the things that are going on in their lives. Yet, I’ve really come to witness the strength and courage these students have.”

Her work is appreciated by staff and students alike!

“We are seeing a rise in depression and anxiety,” says Christina Dippold, CRSM counselor. “Here in Waukegan, there are fewer resources to meet the growing needs of our students.”

At CRSM we recognize this is a growing need that requires growing support. Starting next year, the school will bring in a part-time therapist to work with students to help them find balance in their busy lives.

New AI Club Fosters Innovation and Creativity

New AI Club Fosters Innovation and Creativity

by | Mar 23, 2023 | CWSP, School News

It’s Tuesday at 3:30, the end of the school day. A group of about a dozen CRSM students gather in a conference room to assemble, “Deep Blue” and “Angel Bot.” These are the names they’ve coined for the two coding robotic kits they are building. The idea is to gain hands-on experience and career preparation in Artificial Intelligence-related fields.

The students are among a group of CRSM students who have recently launched an AI Club that meets weekly after school. With the idea that curiosity sparks innovation, “the club was formed with the hope that the minds of today could lead to tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” said Brian Weinberg, Director of the Corporate Work Study program who supervises the group.

Emily, a CRSM junior who is interested in studying and pursuing a career in computer science, was the impetus for the club. She put out the call for members. During the inaugural meetings held this month, students have been working to assemble two coding kits. 

“In school we are learning all about the uses of robots in the medical field and all the ways AI and robotics are coming at us fast,” said Emily. “AI is going to be a big part of our lives and we wanted to get a head start learning about it.”

Although the club just began, the long-term vision for it extends beyond CRSM and includes preparing students for the workforce of the future.

“Not only are the students having a blast with this, but we are setting the groundwork for how they may be using AI at their work-study jobs and their careers after college,” said Brian, who is the staff advisor for the club. “It’s also so great to see the mix of participants. There are freshmen and juniors and an equal mix of boys and girls.”

The club is partially funded by a $170 grant from Scholastic Artificial Intelligence League (SAILea).  The grant was written by Amy with the help of advisor Weinberg and included an interview with SAILea officers. SAILea is a nonprofit network of high school AI clubs working to educate the next generation of AI aficionados and foster community around one of the world’s most enticing technologies. The group is missioned: “to spread AI to every high school in America.” A $215 club fee from CRSM, helped support the almost $400 cost for the two robot kits.

“The group also is about having fun,” says Amy. Club members are hoping to sponsor a movie night with Student Council and have a snowball making machine. “Plus, we are going to put eyelashes on the robots,” she adds. Next fall, members of the AI Club will have the opportunity to participate in Abbott Laboratories on-site robotics club. Abbott is one of CRSM’s work-study partners. Its robotics club is one of several opportunities the pharmaceutical giant offers to support tomorrow’s inventors and innovators and ignite a passion for STEM careers.

Alumna Talks ​​About Humanity, Immigration at TEDxHopeCollege

Alumna Talks ​​About Humanity, Immigration at TEDxHopeCollege

by | Mar 21, 2023 | Alumni Spotlight

Last February, Venecia Rodriquez took the TEDxHope College stage, where she joined other speakers sharing their stories at the renowned event themed “The Threshold.” The CRSM Class of ‘19 alumna described her parents’ “excruciating weeks’ long journey” to the United States from Mexico. Her mother was pregnant with Venecia at the time.

“My longing is to help immigrants and others who face challenges fulfill their dreams, get the opportunities they deserve and not live in households suffering from the consequences of generational trauma, like my parents and other immigrants,” says Venecia. She is studying social work at Hope College and poised to graduate in May.

Throughout college, she has been tireless in her efforts to advocate on behalf of immigrant rights. The former College Bound Opportunities scholar is an intern at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates. She was secretary for the college’s Latino Student Organization and is a senior ambassador for Women of Color United.

Immigrating to America

In her TEDx talk, Venecia describes her struggle assimilating in America.  “I’ve always had to tiptoe to the fact that my parents were immigrants,” she says. “I am not from here, and not from there. Yet, my parents walked 34 hours through a desert, and traveled a week in a car on an excruciating journey, because they wanted a better life for themselves and me. Today I feel blessed to be a citizen, but determined to help others like my family.” 

She is seeking a job in immigrant and mental health advocacy in the Grand Rapids area then plans to return to college for her Master’s degree in social work. Her long-term goal is to return to Waukegan in the future to work for an organization dedicated to making a difference for immigrant and mental health causes.

Lessons from CRSM

“CRSM taught me that it is possible to be a community leader and make changes happen,” says Venecia, “My dream is to create an organization in Waukegan that empowers immigrants and people facing mental health challenges.”

Her advice for CRSM students: “Connect to the different resources that are available to help you. Dream big dreams and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.” 

To listen to her TEDx talk, link here.

Rosalind Franklin Surgeon and Med Students Conduct Suture Clinic to Inspire Medical Careers for CRSM Students

Rosalind Franklin Surgeon and Med Students Conduct Suture Clinic to Inspire Medical Careers for CRSM Students

by | Mar 17, 2023 | Academic

Thirty CRSM students attended an on-site, hands-on suture clinic on Thursday after school in CRSM’s chemistry lab. Hosted by Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, the clinic was designed to inspire budding doctors, surgeons and careers in medicine.

The clinic was led by Noreen Kelly, MD and Clinical Assistant Professor at Rosalind, and eight medical students who are members of the Chicago Medical School Association of Women Surgeons. This is “a great example of the many exploratory workshops and opportunities CRSM college counselors and teachers offer for students to explore prospective careers”, said Michael Odiotti, CRSM principal.

For Emilyn, a CRSM senior who is headed to Emory University next fall to enroll in pre-med studies, it was an opportunity to get first-hand experience. “I’m very interested in being a surgeon, so I was excited to attend this.” She was one of 29 female students and one male who attended the after-school event.

The team provided students with suture kits that mimicked skin to give students an authentic experience. Some of the tools included in the kit were a suture board, rope, artificial skin, a banana, staples and thread.  Students learned stitches to close wounds and prevent bleeds in vascular surgeries by observing Dr. Kelly and the med students. They then had the opportunity to do this themselves multiple times with direct feedback.

“Always know where your needle is,” said Dr. Kelly.

The Med students also offered tips on navigating medical school. “The most important thing you need is self-discipline because the first two years are all about learning as much as you can in all subjects, from cardiology to skin care,” said Horan Yoon, a first-year med student. “Your grades and your MCATs are very important to get admitted, but your personal statement about your passion for medicine and some of the struggles you have faced, is equally important.”