I graduated from Cathedral in 2003. I participated in Speech and Debate, Honor’s Society, Choir, and probably a couple of others I’m forgetting. My parent’s decided to send me to Cathedral – they felt it was important and in my best interest. I didn’t grow up in El Paso though, when I started at Cathedral, I had only lived in El Paso for one year, so my experience was different from other students and classmates that had grown up in the area, or had attended the same schools prior to attending Cathedral.

At Cathedral, there was a strong sense of pride, public service, and civic engagement. There is of course a strong community as well. My most cherished moments were the times spent together outside of the classroom – the traditions, the speech and debate tournaments, the choir opportunities in the community, etc.

After Cathedral, I attended Cornell University and graduated cum laude, Communications, in 2007. My class, 2003, had many students at top schools, almost every Ivy League school, and Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, etc. I work in Corporate Relations at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. I had previously been at the graduate business school at Cornell, also in Development. My work revolves around fundraising for Cornell, fundraising for education, and for the advancement of students.

Prior to working at Cornell, I had worked at some local nonprofits, and also worked in China. I am involved in some leadership volunteer roles at Cornell, and in the community, both as a volunteer and as board member. It’s important to me to contribute to the community, in some way – even if in a small form. This was instilled and rooted during my time at Cathedral.

“What are you proudest of?”
I’m less in touch with Cathedral and classmates than some of my other classmates, who grew up together but I still feel very much a part of the experience we had together. I am also proud to be part of the Cathedral community, it’s an important part of my character and my roots.

“What lesson from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
As cliche as it sounds to treat others lie you want to be treated. That’s it. Simple.

“Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
Be a part of Cathedral, be a part of the tradition, the history, the school and the brotherhood. Get involved. I also encourage current students to give their time, really understand difference, understand privilege, and understand how others may need your help more than you need it. And last, to always strive for the best; in school/your education, in work (in the future), in other groups, always keep pushing.