HIGH SCHOOL
Saint Peter's Preparatory School
I had the absolute privilege to attend Saint Peter's Preparatory School located in Jersey City New Jersey. Over my four years a Prep, I did a lot and wanted to document my experience as best as I could with photos and some memories. While at Prep I was involved in many things and wanted to share them here.
ITALIAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM
PALERMO, SICILY
Meeting Our "Twin"
During my Junior year at Saint Peter's Prep I participated in an Italian Exchange Program. My exchange student was named Federica and she was the nicest, most kind girl in the world!
The Italian students came to the US first and they were here around Christmas time. They got to do things like ice skate in Bryan Park, see the Rockettes and witness their first snowfall. Here is Federica and I in 2014.
REUNITED
And It Feels So Good!
After a few months, we went to their homes in Sicily at around Easter time. We explored southern Italy's beaches, visited Europes most beautiful church and dine Italian style.
During my time abroad I planned a weekend trip to Palermo to see all my friends. Here is an updated picture of Federica and I 2018. The Italian exchange created friendships and bonds that will last for years and span across oceans.
THE WORKING BOYS CENTER
QUITO, ECUADOR
Ruined For Life
The summer going into my Sophomore year I applied to volunteer in Ecuador's capital, Quito. I was selected with a handful of other boys to spend about a month learning and helping the poor and the marginalized.
We lived and stayed at the Working Boys Center which is a convocational school for the people of Ecuador. I got to meet many different people and hear many eye-opening stories that I carry with me today.
LA MINGA
"The Work Day"
The most physically demanding day, yet the most rewarding day, was our Sunday Minga. At the Working Boys Center, one family gets chosen every Sunday to have necessary work done at their home. The volunteers always help.
Our Minga family needed to dig holes in front of their house in order to put support beans for a failing ceiling. We worked throughout the day tirelessly on digging holes for this very deserving family. Once our work was done, we cleaned ourselves up and started preparing dinner for everyone at the main center.
CAMPUS MINISTRY TEAM
CLC
Christian Life Community
The Campus Ministry Team was a selected group of students who did various tasks around the school year. For example we lead retreats, ran masses and helped with fundraiser events for those in need. Christian Life Community was one of my favorite perks of being a Campus Minister. Here is my CLC group that meet once a cycle during lunch to discuss how things were going for us and to lend a hand or a listening hear if any of us were struggling.
KAIROS
God's Time
One of the most important and meaningful retreats held at Saint Perter's Prep was Kairos. During this time we were put into groups with students who we did not really know or talk to in our everyday school lives.
All barriers were quickly broken down when we started answering personal and intimate questions about one another in a quite and remote location. The bonds that were made during this experience were great. And to reflect on our high school experience thus far was very rewarding.