Preston Kendall, President, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep

“THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON”

An excerpt from an interview with Cheyanne Williams

We spoke to Cheyanne (CRSM ’15) about the road that has taken her from Cristo Rey St. Martin to Loyola University to her recent acceptance into Georgetown Law.

I know you were disappointed when you didn’t get into Georgetown’s Bachelor Program. Looking back, what do you see?

I see that very often things happen for a reason. The first year at CRSM and Loyola University were tough, but both schools turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. Year one at Cristo Rey was difficult – going from public to private school. But if I hadn’t gone to CRSM, I wouldn’t have had the volunteer experience; I wouldn’t have worked at PADS (a shelter offering comprehensive resources to the homeless).

My first year at Loyola University was rough, too. Making friends was difficult because I was studying so hard. But if I hadn’t gone to Loyola, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to change lives at the Metro Achievement Center for Girls. And I wouldn’t be headed to Georgetown Law.

Is there a takeaway you might share with an aspiring young student?

I would say this: there are going to be times of transition that are uncomfortable; stick it out and pay attention. I guarantee you will find opportunities. And volunteer — aside from the positive effect it will have on you — there is no way to estimate the benefits it will bring.