Service. Community. Simple Living. Spiritual Growth. These are the values guiding Kwasi Yeboah ‘16 as he spends the next two years as a Cristo Rey Jesuit Volunteer, helping academically motivated but financially disadvantaged students receive a premiere Jesuit education at the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in inner-city Chicago, IL.
The Cristo Rey Network, comprised of thirty-two high schools nationwide, offers a unique Jesuit education for traditionally underrepresented students that is rooted in a strong work-study program and rigorous academic curricula. Students work in partnering law-firms, finance firms, hospitals, nonprofits, and many other organizations which help fund tuition while providing invaluable professional skills and experiences. “The Cristo Rey high schools matter for so many different reasons,” says Yeboah.“There are many students who will never reach their maximum potential for any set of reasons. But here, students’ socioeconomic statuses don’t prevent them from accessing some of the best opportunities offered to high school students. They’re allowed an early opportunity to broaden their networks and their perspectives. I really admire the structure of the program—all of us who work here at Cristo Rey believe in the mission and do our best to execute it every day.”
Yeboah is a volunteer in the school’s guidance counseling center. Many of the students that he works with are the first in their families to apply to colleges, making his work all the more necessary. “This program increases the social capital of students exponentially,” says Yeboah. “In speaking to some of the students, teachers, and donors, it’s evident that all who are involved in the work here sincerely value the exposure.” As a guidance counsellor, Yeboah meets with students throughout the year to prepare for life after Cristo Rey, discussing college options, scholarships, and qualities of a good applications and essays. He helps students complete FAFSA forms and meets with parents to discuss college choices and opportunities. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School ensures that 100% of students are accepted to college. “It’s wonderful work being done here.”
At Cristo Rey, Yeboah is able to bring the values and experiences he has as a recent graduate to another Jesuit institution, fully sharing in its mission. At Le Moyne, Yeboah studied political science and was heavily in involved in promoting social justice and volunteerism, serving as the Diversity Affairs Chair for the Student Government Association, the Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, a tutor for the Upward Bound program, a Kairos retreat rector, and as a resident advisor . He was the commencement student speaker for the Class of 2016 . His time at Le Moyne has compelled him to look outward and make a difference off campus. “Leaving for Le Moyne was my first time away from home for an extended period of time,” he says, reflecting on his growth throughout his experience. “While there, I was able to come out of my shell, grow, develop my thinking, expand my network, and so much more. I learned how to be the kind of man that I want to be.”
“Choosing to be a volunteer has proven to be quite the learning experience. I’m happy with the way things are going,” says Yeboah.“I’m picking up on a little Spanish here and there. I’ve eaten a lot of Mexican food.” Besides navigating life in inner-city Chicago, Yeboah is rising to the challenge of living a life of service for others.“It’s been quite the learning curve,” he says, “but being with a group of dedicated professionals and students who want to learn and make the most of their opportunities helps to ease whatever tension that being new can sometimes bring about.”
Article by Arin Jackubowski '17.
Jackubowski is interning with the Offices of Communications and Advancement this semester.
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