For Daniella, Class of 2027, Cristo Rey Boston’s supportive teachers motivate her to pursue her passions.
After moving from Haiti at age 10, Daniella initially struggled to fit in. She drew strength from her family, who she is close with. “They are my comfort people,” she says. “They are always there for me.” With their support and her strong sense of self-discipline, she taught herself English and found a welcoming group of friends at school.
Daniella wanted a high school that would match the academic motivation she developed during middle school. At the suggestion of a dean at James F. Condon Middle School, Daniella decided to attend Cristo Rey Boston. It matched exactly what she was looking for: a high school with a rigorous college-prep focus that would prepare her to achieve her future goals. This curriculum challenged Daniella, and there were times she struggled, especially in math. Daniella pushed through, citing the support of her teachers as one of her catalysts for success. She describes her teachers as “always willing to help,” and remarks that they “actually cared about whether you were learning, not just completing the work.” Because of her teachers’ support, by senior year, Daniella learned the importance of asking for help, and her initial struggle with math transformed into a passion for the subject.
Through the Corporate Work Study Program, Daniella saw how her passion for math could one day become a career. In 9th grade, she worked at Junior Achievement, where she learned about the stock market while also supporting the organization’s goal of providing financial literacy and career readiness education to young people. Now in her senior year, Daniella works at Cambridge Savings Bank. After completing a three-week training over the summer and an initial few weeks in the role, Daniella is thrilled at her new placement. “I am so excited to go every week,” she says. “It truly feels like I belong—I am on a team; I am not just an intern.” She cites the encouragement of her supervisor, Monique Briggs, Assistant Vice President Branch Manager, as a highlight of her work. Assisting customers with transactions, Daniella realized she loved working with people just as much as she enjoyed math. With the support of Mr. Joselus, Director of Corporate Work Study Operations, she discovered could combine both passions to find a job she enjoyed.
Outside of school, Daniella prioritizes spending time with her family and friends. She attends concerts with her aunt and enjoys cooking for loved ones. “I love making people happy,” she says, “and cooking always does that.”
Looking forward, Daniella wants to study a field involving math, such as accounting or economics, at a college in Boston. She cites her Corporate Work Study experience as a big influence in this decision, awakening her to the prospect of combining her math skills with her desire to be in people-facing roles.
Cristo Rey Boston provided Daniella with more than just challenging coursework. It’s where she discovered passions that will lead her to a meaningful career.