For Malachi, Class of 2026, Cristo Rey Boston has been a place of growth and transformation. Malachi chose to attend CRB for one clear reason: opportunity. “I wanted to go here so I could get into college,” he says. With the combination of a college-preparatory academics and real-world work experience, Malachi knew he would be prepared for his future.
What drew Malachi in most was the Corporate Work Study Program, which allowed him to explore different career paths while still in high school. As a freshman, he worked with Junior Achievement, helping launch and manage a small business and learning the basics of marketing and organization. His sophomore-year placement in the City Council Office of Brian Worrell introduced him to civic engagement. He was responsible for fielding calls from constituents, which taught him the value of being open-minded and listening to what others have to say.
This year, Malachi’s placement with Select Demo has been especially impactful. Supported by the Select Demo team, Malachi is given firsthand exposure to construction management, engineering, and architecture. This incredible opportunity is made possible by the generous support and partnership of Select Demo President Ryan Denver and Director of Strategic Partnerships Kahlil Olmstead, who is also a member of the Cristo Rey Boston Board of Trustees.
At work, Malachi spends time visiting active job sites, learning how projects move from planning to execution, and observing how teams collaborate to meet deadlines. He shares, “I like that it’s hands-on. I’m always learning something new.” The experience has helped him build confidence, develop professional communication skills, and better understand what it takes to run a successful business.
Malachi’s academic journey has also been one of significant growth. As a freshman he struggled to adjust and take his academics seriously. Sophomore year marked a turning point. “I realized grades mattered if I wanted to get into the colleges I was aiming for,” he says. With new priorities, his focus shifted. He sought out teachers and staff to help him stay on track academically. Through these interactions he not only improved his grades but built lasting relationships with adults who connected with him as a person and became his advocates.
Looking to the future, Malachi hopes to study business management and fashion, with the goal of becoming an entrepreneur. His time at Select Demo has deepened his interest in how businesses operate and shown him the importance of leadership and teamwork.
At the heart of his motivation is family, especially his mother. “We’ve been through a lot together,” Malachi says. “I just want to make her proud.”
As he prepares to graduate, Malachi reflects on how the experiences he’s had at Cristo Rey Boston have helped him to both clarify his future path and develop the confidence he needs to pursue it.