by admin | 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.
by admin | Dec 28, 2021 | Academic
It might be five months until the May 1, 2022, National College Decision but CRSM seniors Claudio and Anthony have set their sights on the specific colleges/next launching pads where they can pursue their dreams and studies, they are passionate about.
Claudio, who holds a 3.82 GPA, was selected from more than 2,500 students to receive the Posse Scholarship. He will study computer science at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, on a full-tuition scholarship. Posse and its partner institutions strive to empower diverse groups of leaders who will “transform communities, this country and the world.”
“At CRSM I’ve always learned to work hard to set high expectations for myself and to do work to make a difference to help others,” says Claudio, who is a regular food bank distribution volunteer. “This is huge for my future.”
Anthony has his sights set on Columbia College where he has been accepted and hopes to pursue his dream to study music arts. It’s a dream come true for him and testimony to his hard work. Anthony had been a retreat leader and has been heavily involved in CRSM’s fine arts program, playing flute in the choir (and the new Mariachi band), and winning the lead role in Dracula.
Both students will be the first in their families to attend college.
Awesome Acceptance Moments
‘Tis the time of year when colleges are sending acceptance letters, and Claudio and Anthony’s feelings of joy are not unique. Senior Yahir will attend the prestigious Grinnell College in Poweshiek County, Iowa, on a Questbridge, scholarship. Questbridge is a national nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. Yahir worked closely with the community-based College Bound Opportunities Seniors Emmanuel and Janissa have been awarded the Evans Scholarships, a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies.
“We are so proud of all of our students and their accomplishments,” said Sharon Holdvogt, college counselor. “These scholarships, like the Evans, Posse and Questbridge, are really a testament to our students who have worked so hard throughout their high school years to get to this point! It’s exciting to be a part of the process where they see all their hard work pay off!”
Life-changing Opportunities
Lori Felix, college counselor, added: “For the students and their families, this is a life changing opportunity. Many families are still feeling the financial effects of the pandemic and were worried about how they would afford the cost of their child’s education. The students are all thankful to have received these scholarships because they’re able to make their parents proud, follow their educational goals, and be part of incredible programs.”
Anthony recently visualized his dream, heading for the first-time to downtown Chicago to visit Columbia College with his father. Because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, CRSM college counselors have not been able to offer the same level of college visits that occurred prior to the pandemic. However, they are offering some financial support for students to make individual visits with their families, and recently took a group of seniors to Lake Forest College. Seniors Mackenzy and Ashlee recently visited Arrupe in Chicago.
“The second I walked into Columbia, I felt like it was home,” said Anthony. “I met with the heads of the department, and they interviewed me and told me about all the opportunities. I know this is the place where I can work hard to make my dreams come true.”
Scholarships Streaming In
Janissa, a first-generation student and recipient of the full-ride Evan’s Scholarship said: “The dream that I have always fantasized about as a young girl, has finally become a reality. My mother, whom I’ve always admired for being a strong and hardworking woman, has always told me, “No matter how long the path is, your time always comes.” Though the scholarship committee will not make its decision until March, she has been accepted to Michigan State, Penn State, and the University of Illinois Chicago. UIC.
Last Wednesday, a National Louis University (NLU admissions representative was here to hand deliver some seniors their acceptance letters.
A total of 11 students were greeted with a nice surprise in the midst of a busy finals week. Laura Beaupre from NLU brought students a sweet treat as they celebrated the news that they got offered admission to the school. As the students ate their donuts, Laura explained to the students next steps and provided them with a short presentation about their school.
“It was a very nice surprise because I didn’t expect it and we were the first people to receive our acceptance letter which I felt very honored and happy,” said Gabriela. “I choose to apply to this school because I like how their school works.”
In November, 18 students received hand-delivered acceptance packages to Hope College. Hope College is a four-year liberal arts college in Holland, MI.
Stay tuned for more success stories as the acceptances continue to stream in.
by admin | Nov 30, 2021 | Student Life
Seniors Gallery, Eliza and Judy thought they were meeting with other members of the Class of 2022 and Principal Mike Odiotti to discuss outstanding details they needed to clear up before graduation next June; instead, the trio and 14 of their peers found a representative from Hope College waiting for them with surprise acceptance packages and a sea of congratulations.
“This is so exciting,” said Judy, who will be a first-generation college student. “It’s almost unbelievable to think I’m holding this and that it is real.” A member of the National Hispanic Honor Society, the National Honor Society and a Student Ambassador, Judy is looking forward to college and possibly pursuing a career in forensic science.
The trio were among the 18 students who received hand-delivered acceptance packages to Hope College, on Nov. 17. Hope College is a four-year liberal arts college in Holland, MI, which shares a like mission with CRSM, said Kayleigh Wonch, a CRSM English teacher and graduate of Hope College. Fifteen percent of students there are considered first-generation college students.
“At Hope College, we know that how we lead is how we live: with passion, curiosity and an anchored conviction to serve the world, which is very much like what you do at Cristo Rey St. Martin,” said Allison Bulson, admissions representative for Hope College who presented the acceptance packages.
Representatives from College Bound Opportunities and Waukegan to College also attended the acceptance event.
For CRSM seniors, ‘tis the season when they start hearing back from the colleges and universities they’ve applied to, and have shared their dreams in personal statements. Acceptances are just starting to dribble in.
“This is huge and makes it all seem like it’s really happening,” said Gallery, who is looking to pursue opportunities in environmental science.
