“I’ve always been the kind of person who doesn’t let setbacks define me,” says Quismairy, Class of 2026. “If someone tells me I can’t do something, I want to prove to myself that I can.” That mindset didn’t come easily. In middle school, she admits she wasn’t focused on academics, and when she spoke about her goals, others often doubted her. “My actions didn’t match what I said I wanted,” she reflects.

Everything began to change when she arrived at Cristo Rey Boston.

“The support here made a difference,” she says. “At my old school, there was maybe one teacher I could rely on. Here, it felt like every teacher believed in me.” That belief made all the difference. Surrounded by teachers who stayed after school, encouraged her, and expected her to succeed, Quismairy began to see herself differently. Her self-perception shifted further when she received her first report card with all A’s. “I never thought I would be a straight-A student,” she says. “But once I saw that, it motivated me to keep going.”

Her growth extended beyond the classroom through the Corporate Work Study Program, where each experience helped shape her future. Early roles introduced her to education and working with children, sparking an initial interest in teaching. Later, placements at the Broad Institute and in office settings expanded her skills and confidence. But it was her current role at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that brought everything into focus.

Working alongside phlebotomists, Quismairy not only learned technical skills, including becoming certified to draw blood, but also discovered her calling. Interacting with patients, especially children, showed her the impact she could have in healthcare. “I realized I want to be a pediatrician,” she says. “I love working with kids, and I want to help them.”

Throughout her time at CRB, Quismairy has also stepped into leadership roles. As Student Government President, she balances the needs of her peers with the realities of planning events and managing responsibilities. She’s also been a dedicated member of the basketball team for all four years, finding motivation and community through her teammates and coaches.

One person who has stood out on her journey is CRB Principal, Dr. Tom Ryan. “He’s the first principal I’ve ever had who really checks in on students,” she says. “He’ll go out of his way to make sure you know you’re doing well.” Moments like these demonstrate the support and guidance that Quismairy experienced throughout her time at Cristo Rey Boston, which helped her become the capable and confident person she is today.

This fall, Quismairy will attend Northeastern University, where she plans to pursue a path in healthcare. She is motivated not only by her own goals, but by the example set by her family. She speaks with admiration about her mother and older brother, both of whom have faced challenges with resilience and perseverance. “They’ve been through a lot, and they never gave up,” she says. Their strength and support shaped the person she is today.

Their influence fuels her desire to be an example for others. “I’ve seen how circumstances can affect people’s paths,” she says. “I want to be an example of what’s possible.”

At Cristo Rey Boston, Quismairy has become that example, someone who turns belief into action, and challenges into opportunities.