A Little About Christopher…

Best at: Finding ways to relate to people. One of the ways I got through life was by finding common ground in terms of my interests and being willing to learn why others like what they like. It's more about the people than what the people are doing. 

Worst at: Falling for sob stories. I have a big soft spot for a sob story. I’d cut my arm off if you told me a good enough reason why.

Passionate about: I get passionate about learning everything about something. The best example is when I just started golfing. I couldn’t just learn how to golf. I had to learn the history of the greatest players, got a subscription to the golf network, and am now committed to becoming very good at golf soon. 

What’s your “why”?: I am a first-generation American. When my mom came to this country from Mexico, she was given an opportunity based on what seemed like tenacity. She tried to cross the border eight times. On the eighth time, she had the flu. The border portal officer turned his head and let her through. A nonprofit provided her with food, water, medical attention, and a bus ride to Los Angeles, California. From there, she worked hard to provide work for herself. My father’s father was a journalist who wrote letters to the government to speak against the controversial and dangerous dictatorship in Nicaragua. Based on their life experiences, my parents agreed they would give the help they received.  They were willing to give the shirt off their back because that was the only reason they had the lives they had. When I got into service, I worked with adults with special needs; many people were incredibly underserved. I want to contribute to that and continue my parents' legacy. Knowing that I’m trying to make a difference brings me joy daily. I’ll be able to carry the weight on a hard day, knowing that what I’m carrying is to support the community.

Favorite Hallmark: We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.

The Hallmarks by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are the essential characteristics, values, and activities of the NDMVA learning community. They are common principles that we share within both organizations. They recently refreshed their hallmarks! Click here to read the updated Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Hallmarks.