Every morning, before the sun rises, Ale embarks on a two-hour commute to Cristo Rey Boston, her sketchbook tucked in her backpack beside her textbooks. A talented artist, Ale has always found comfort in colors and brushstrokes, using her art to express the emotions and stories she sees in the world around her. But beyond her artistic talent, she carries an even greater ambition—a dream to heal, uplift, and give back.
Ale will be the first in her family to attend college and is determined to make every moment count. With acceptances to many prestigious institutions, including Boston College and the University of Notre Dame, Ale is weighing scholarships and programs and working with the CRB college counseling office to determine the best fit. She noted, “The college counseling office has been with me every step of the way, encouraging me to widen my options and become excited about attending college.” Ale was part of the cohort of students who traveled to the west coast earlier this year to visit schools, an initiative of college visits made possible by funding from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation.
According to Ale, her experience working at Ropes & Gray through the Corporate Work Study Program has taught her invaluable lessons. “I learned how to manage my time, take initiative, and become detailed orientated.” she recalled. These skills, once foreign to her, are now second nature. Her supervisor has become a trusted mentor, helping her focus on her future goals and offering feedback on her college essay. But despite thriving in the corporate world of law, Ale’s heart is set on something different—nursing or pre-med.
Her passion stems from the disparities she has witnessed in her community—underrepresented families struggling to access quality healthcare, voices going unheard in doctors’ offices, and a system that often overlooks those needing it most. Ale stated, “I envision a future where I am a medical professional and an advocate—ensuring that all communities are represented in their pursuit of health and well-being.” She continued, “My family has sacrificed a lot to give me and my siblings more opportunities than they had. I want to use my education to help my community.”
As she prepares for college, Ale knows the road ahead won’t be easy. But if she’s learned anything from her four-hour daily commute, the journey is always worth it, no matter how long. With determination, resilience, and a heart for service, Ale is ready to turn her dreams into reality—one step, one patient, and one community at a time.