Cristo Rey: The Students of the Future
Before I start talking about the beauty of Cristo Rey and my volunteer experience with them, here are a few videos to help convey all that Cristo Rey does for its students and community.
My Volunteering Experience with Cristo Rey
Cristo Rey Kansas City High School has a very special place in my heart. I had the absolute privilege of volunteering at Cristo Rey through my volunteer program, The Precious Blood Volunteers, from June 2017 to December 2017.
Upon entering through the front doors on the first day, little did I know how much this school, its staff, and its students would impact me.
I was given the chance to take a step away from the normal studying routine and volunteer as a teacher and assistant in Algebra I, Algebra II, Intro to Photography, and Intro to Engineering. After school, I was blessed to work with bright young students on the Robotics Team and serve as the Assistant Coach for both the Junior Varsity, and Varsity Women's Volleyball team.
It was in these various roles where I was able to witness students realize their true potential and have it flourish in such a supportive community. It was in these classrooms and these environments where I was welcomed into the students' lives and see the absolute drive they had for growth and success.
"At Cristo Rey, I can say without a doubt that I learned more from the students than I could have ever provided to them.
An advisory group I led with Sister Linda Roth
A countless number of the students I worked with grew up in such dramatically different environments than I had. What truly opened my mind and my heart was the absolute resolve and determination in my students regardless of their circumstances. Motivating the students can prove to be difficult at times, but once that door is opened, there is no stopping their infinite passion within.
On top of that, each teacher that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with showed an indisputable amount of passion towards their students and their courses. The staff truly showed me the extent of how crucial being a role model is both inside and outside of the classroom. Of course, every day wasn't easy and some days were outright exhausting and frustrating. But at the end of the day, every individual I met conveyed that they wholeheartedly believed in each and every student that came in through those doors. That... that is something that is invaluable.
My time as a volunteer at Cristo Rey Kansas City High School has altered my perspective and my drive for life in wonderful ways. It was through my fellow volunteers, my fellow staff, and my wonderful students, that I was able to find a calling to giving back in someway; through creating a podcast, "Starting With A Story."
Enjoy some of the moments I was able to share with some phenomenal people =]
That time when my phone fell into the wrong hands.
Sitting in front of Cristo Rey Kansas City
A "Goodbye" Mr. Lee photo
My fellow Precious Blood Volunteers and friends from the Jesuit Volunteer Corps
A funny card my Intro to Photography students made for me
All donations for Season 2 will go directly to the support for the students and operations at Cristo Rey Kansas City High School. Thank you so much for considering donating!
I would love to hear your thoughts on schools, students, and volunteering!
To the Precious Blood Volunteers.
To the students and staff of Cristo Rey.
To my friends and family.
To the Starting With A Story community.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Stay Safe, Stay You =]
John Lee