Brian De La Cruz, CRSM Class of 2017, and a first-gen college graduate, lives by the words of Principal Dr. Michael Odiotti in his steadfast commitment to building a career in public service and equitable healthcare: “The gritty person has the ability to never give up.”
The past year was one that has brought numerous unforeseen challenges — the 22-year-old was called home to Waukegan to care for his mother, father and older brother who all were hit with serious cases of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic. But, Brian, 22, graduated with a Business and Economics degree from Wheaton College and landed the position of Business Operations Coordinator for the American Medical Association (AMA’s) Education Center. It’s a position he strived hard for during his internship last year for the premier national medical association. The organization supports physicians, residents and medical students at every step of their education and careers.
In his role at the AMA, Brian works on the AMA Ed HubTM to provide high-quality education for physicians and other medical professionals so they can stay current and continuously improve the care they provide.
Brian is passionate about working to advance health equity and end healthcare injustices, to disrupt and dismantle the systems that aren’t working and reimagine and rebuild these systems to ensure justice. He’s already envisioning a 10-year career plan, a plan inspired by growing up in Waukegan.
“I want to elevate the needs of my community and center them in the discussion to improve their health outcomes”says Brian.
He knows firsthand about some of the challenges facing people living in Waukegan and towns where their zip codes thrust them into the crucible of racism and low socioeconomic status and produce harm and inequalities in education and deep-seated barriers to medical care.
This fact hit like a bolt of lightning during the last year when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic revealed deep-seated inequities in healthcare for the community living in the 60085 zip code and amplified the social and economic factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. It was brutal watching his parents and brother battle the virus and struggle for access to treatment. Waukegan as the sixth hardest hit town in the state for COVID-19 cases.
“I saw firsthand what happens to people with chronic disease and the brokenness of the healthcare system,” he says. “I feel the need to champion the stories behind this unfairness and continue to shine the light on them.” Thankfully, all of his family members have recovered from COVID-19.
Grabbing on to the grit bandwagon
It hasn’t been an easy road for Brian, who is the first member of his family to graduate high school and go to college. He was a “C” student in middle school. That changed when he entered high school and was embraced by a supportive community of caring educators at CRSM who pushed Brian to reach his full potential, he says.
There’s no question, he says, that his perseverance and dedication to long-term goals took root at CRSM where he maintained a 4.0 GPA all four years, was the senior class president, a National Honor Society student and president of the Student Ambassadors. Through the Corporate Work Study department, he worked in the multi-cultural marketing department at Walgreens’ corporate headquarters throughout high school. During the summer before college, he worked as a full-time intern on the development team at College Bound Opportunities, where he was also a scholar his junior and senior year.
Brian feels called to give back and to serve others through ministry and volunteerism. He’s been a youth coordinator at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Parish and helped create the youth group at Kingdom Voice Ministry, when the church was just starting in Waukegan.
“Cristo Rey created a path for me to follow and now I want to do that for other young people,” says Brian, who serves on the board of directors for the Wheaton College Alumni Association. “I look back and think about walking into Cristo Rey and how I learned as a freshman in high school to carry on conversations with adults at work. I can’t imagine many freshmen are able to do that. And Dr. O. really inspired me that no matter how difficult things are, to never give up. As a first-generation student, the barriers to overcome were many, but with the support from CRSM and CBO, I knew I could dream big.”
Advice for CRSM students: “Dare to break the systems and barriers that get in the way of your personal journey.”
A recent graduate of Bates College, Anthony has taken a job with Schuler Scholars* to work at his alma mater.
“We are thrilled to have Anthony joining our Cristo Rey St. Martin Schuler team. His perspective as an alumnus of both the school and Schuler will be a significant asset in the years ahead.”
Emalie Dalbke Schuler School Director
*The Schuler program works with our high-achieving students on campus – to help them gain access to highly selective colleges, and pursue their professional aspirations.
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.
Marco graduated from CRSM in 2012. Immediately after graduation he went to art school, studying animation graphics. He now works for a production studio in Chicago as a motion graphics artist. He has a unique and positive attitude about art and creativity – one that’s been a driving influence in his life for as long as he can remember.
I’m interested in your college decision. Was it a difficult one? Somewhat. Financially it was tough. I applied to various schools that offered animation and motion graphics programs; DePaul, Columbia, and the University of Illinois were on my list. My counselors at CRSM helped me make the right decision – the Illinois Institute had a good reputation and offered me the most attractive financial plan, so that’s where I landed.
You were lucky to finish your Bachelor’s before the school closed in 2018. Yes. It turned out well for me. I benefitted from the excellent curricula they offered in animation. They also recommended me for a position at a very successful production house. When I started at The Institute, I wanted to be in their games program. But they had strict GPA guidelines for freshmen entry into the program, which I couldn’t quite meet. It was suggested I start in animation and then transfer into the Games Program. I never transferred – I liked animation so much.
You mentioned your family moved quite a bit, taking care of sick relatives. How did you end up at CRSM? It’s kind of a funny story. I didn’t know about CRSM. When I was in middle school, I managed to get along with the class bully. He kept talking about “a school that would pay you to go to high school.” Now, I knew this couldn’t be true [laughing]. And obviously, he had the whole story wrong. But it piqued my interest, so my mom and I checked it out. After talking with Ms. Cuesta, I was interested – and my mom was convinced.
So it worked out well.
Well, I really disliked it at first. I was going through a lot at the time. My dad had passed away before I started at CRSM. Mom was working 4 jobs. The expectations and requirements at CRSM were tough for me. I was constantly being told what to do. You have to go to work. You have to wear a tie. Wear dress clothes. Tuck in your shirt. Teachers were always asking more of you than at other schools. I was confused and didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was very rebellious – a troubled kid. And now that we’re talking about it, I wonder how any of the people at CRSM had any patience with me.
So what turned it around for you? I ended up getting fired from my work study job. So I was placed in CRSM’s IT Department. I was working with another student who had been let go. He just didn’t see anything wrong with what we had done. I would watch and listen to him, and soon began to realize…that’s how I look. And I did not like it.
Meanwhile, the man running the IT Department was constantly asking me what I wanted to do. He kept putting me in positions to help other teachers with their tech problems. Then those teachers would take an interest in me. They really cared. With all that, I began to realize that I was running out of chances – that I couldn’t waste this opportunity. I started thinking, maybe there was something I could pursue, I started wanting to go to college. My grades improved steadily from then on and work study went really well.
And then you became interested in art? I was always interested in art because of my dad. He was not a trained artist, but he painted many portraits and landscapes. I watched what he was doing. When I was able to take an occasional art class, I would wish that it was longer. My peers always encouraged my art work. I liked creating art that impacts other people. Even when I was little – I began drawing on the walls in our house. Instead of punishing me, my dad bought me art supplies.
You were rebellious and early into graffiti art! [laughs] I guess so! It’s the cookie cutter thing…if everybody’s doing it, if it’s been done already, why do it? I compare it to jars. You don’t want to be put in one jar, where the cap gets closed and you can’t do anything else. I never wanted that. Artists want to overflow from that jar and keep on filling other jars – experimenting and seeing new things.
You’ve been at your current job for three years, it looks like you’re doing new things all the time. At XVP Studios it’s always something new, it’s always a challenge. I know that art or animation is not for everyone, but CRSM is responsible for a confused kid believing that he could go to college and have a career using his interest and talents.
