I am a Cathedral graduate from the class of 2011. Like my brother Lucas (’10) before me, my mother and family chose Cathedral for my high school education and I was excited at the prospect of becoming part of the Brotherhood.

Cathedral was not just the premier academy for young men in the Borderland, it was a place where the teachers, mentors, and students were the living embodiment of dedication to faith and Christian Values and seemed like the best possible place to unlock the nascent potential I had.

Although I did not engage in many extra-curricular activities within the school, I was heavily involved in the local punk rock scene as a bassist in one of the bands. I very fondly remember how my fellow Cate brothers accepted me for my difference in interests and would even come out to some shows with me from time to time. My favorite cathedral memory was probably sophomore year religion with Mr. Torres (Rest in Peace). His style of teaching was unique and instead of creating a wall between him and his students, he engaged us in such a way that we could relate. He was a patient, compassionate, and loving man and more than the curriculum, it was his personality that taught me most about what it meant to lead a virtuous life.

I miss many aspects of the Cathedral experience, but mostly I miss the Brotherhood. Many members of my class are scattered throughout the nation doing great things and I hope we can all get together as we grow into our lives to continue sharing that intimacy we established as Cate boys. After graduating from Cathedral in the top 3 of my class and a Gates Millennium Scholar, I went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics of Materials.

I now reside in Cambridge, MA and work in a lab at MIT that conducts research on the fluid dynamics of disease propagation by investigating the ways contamination can travel in air and water. I also work as an after-school science instructor at a local elementary school. I still maintain my ties with the musical realm and continue to play bass guitar in an all-Latino punk band as well as DJ a radio program at a local college station.

My Cathedral experience continues to influence the way I conduct myself as a man who strives to be virtuous and dedicated in all aspects of a well-rounded, consciously informed, life.

“What are you proudest of?”
I am proudest of being able to achieve despite the situations that I faced as a young man. My mother was single and raising three boys, we weren’t in the most optimal economic situation while Lucas and I attended Cate, but even then we thrived, took the opportunities that were generously granted to us, and excelled at what we came to do.

“What lesson from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
I learned that Faith can take many shapes and forms, there is no one way to live the Catholic Faith. The Spirit is at work even in the most unassuming of places, the least of our brothers inherit the kingdom. I take this message of compassion with me everywhere I go.

Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
Young man, your whole life is ahead of you and anything you can put mind and matter to can be achieved. All that it takes is your effort, dedication, and support from those you love. Cathedral is what you make of it, and it is a special place where you can not only grow in knowledge, but in wisdom and experience. Cherish your youth and enjoy every waking moment that you have.