Working at 14: New DBCR Students Comment on their Work-Study Experience

What is it like to be 14 years old and have a professional job with such prestigious employers as NASA, Marriott International and Jones Day?  Just ask some of DBCR's freshman students who have hit the ground running at their new jobs.  When asked how their first days on the job have been and what it is like to be a part of the Corporate Work Study Program, they said...

"Working at Presidio is great. The best part is that I get to work on the computer and help people out. I track packages and email the staff about orders. One day, a co-worker came by and said 'thank you' for how I helped him. That felt really good."

 

"I was so happy to find out I was working at St. Jerome's Child Care Center because I went to St. Jerome's when I was younger and I love kids. I love holding them, going for walks, and even changing diapers. It's so meaningful for me to give back to the same program where I was cared for from when I was a baby through 8th grade."

 

"I like working at KPMG. I would like to stay there all four years! Everyone is so welcoming, happy and helpful."

 

"I really like my work at Reed Smith. Everyone shows care, is helpful and asks questions. My supervisor and I have a good relationship; she asks me about school and about my family too."

"I work in catering services at Akin Gump and sometimes there is a lot of pressure because there are many meetings going on at the same time. But the staff really treats me with respect and I feel like a part of the team. Sometimes they even offer me delicious leftovers!"

 

CharityWorks Dream Ball Features DBCR Senior Q'Raun Brock-Smith

Our year of partnership with CharityWorks DC reached its culmination on September 27th at their annual Dream Ball.  It has been a dream come true to be one of the beneficiaries of a year of fundraising and service activities conducted by this dynamic group of philanthropists who are dedicated to helping families and children in need.  Committed to "turbo-charging" the charities with whom they partner, CharityWorks selected DBCR to help grow the school to 400 students.  At the Dream Ball, Senior Q'Raun Brock Smith shared his emotional story and the positive impact his four years at DBCR have had on both himself and his family.   Q'Raun's story reflects the story of many of our students.  So as our year of formal partnership with CharityWorks draws to a close, we share a heartfelt thank you for their support of our unique high school and Corporate Work Study program and of our young people who come from low-income families.

9th grade student, Katherine Dunkley, finishes strong at the Landon Invitational in 8th place finish during the freshman girls' race.

 
Seniors Tegest Berhanu and Gabriela Alvarado led a presentation on "Being Salesian" at a recent all-faculty and staff professional development session.

Trying a different angle, DBCR's faculty and staff professional development on St. John Bosco's approach to education and the Salesian charism was NOT during orientation this summer, and it was NOT primarily led by a Salesian priest or Brother!  In fact, a large part of the foundational session was presented by two members of the Class of 2015, along with lay faculty and staff members who added their personal experiences and reflections on being Salesians and following Don Bosco's spirit.  And this foundational session took place three weeks into the "lived experience" of the school year.  Why the switch? It was an invitation to our newest faculty and staff members to hear first-hand what it is to "Be Salesian" in St. John Bosco's modern-day oratory and to embrace how the charism is lived by all of us, not just the Salesians of Don Bosco.  Seniors Tegest Berhanu and Gaby Alvarado each reflected on how DBCR's four pillars - Faith, Family, Future and Fun - are lived and breathed in all that they do at DBCR and because of this framework, their relationships with God have grown much stronger.  Gaby highlighted what being in a Salesian environment means to her when she explained, "I don't just go to school because it's required.  I go to better myself, to ensure that I will be able to support my family in the future, and because I experience so much love and support from my teachers."  For more on the Salesian spirit active and living at Don Bosco Cristo Rey, click here.

Prayers Needed for Fr. T.J. Martinez, SJ

   

Don Bosco Cristo Rey | 301-891-4750 | [email protected] | http://www.dbcr.org
1010 Larch Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912