“My biggest goal right now is to be accepted to a historically Black college or university (HBCU), with my dream school being Howard University,” noted Ashley Carvajal. A poised young woman with a sense of calm to her demeanor, she noted that this has been a long-held desire.

She continued, "We are the first generation to attend college, and my brother has led the way by attending Suffolk University. However, I dream of going away to school and really challenging myself in an unfamiliar environment.”

Ashley chose Cristo Rey Boston after attending a Knight for a Day session. A graduate of Davis Academy, she reported loving the school immediately. She noted, “I wanted a small school, and at Cristo Rey, I could see how everyone was comfortable and supportive of each other. I was super excited when I was accepted.”

An aspiring teacher, Ashley is enjoying her Corporate Work Study (CWS) placement at Ellis Memorial Pre-School. Although she loved her time at TJX and Sherin & Lodgen during previous CWS placements, her heart is in working with children. She commented, “I never have a bad moment with a child, and eventually would love to teach high school. The teachers you meet in high school really form you and impact your future life. At least that has been my experience with Cristo Rey Boston.”

“Cristo Rey Boston has really created a caring school community.” she continued. Noting that her college counselor checked in with her all summer to make sure she was on track for the fall, Ashley feels she is in great shape in her college application process.

A Posse Scholar semi-finalist, she is anxious for her next interview to see if she will advance and be able to go to college on a full scholarship. She noted that “my mom is anxious about me going away to school, fearful that the world is big, and that she will not be able to keep me on the right path from a distance.“

But Ashley concluded, “I am ready to prove to my mom that she can be proud of me, ready to explore in college, and will take all my mom’s values with me, so I’ll be fine. I’m ready to be independent.”