Page 15 - Priorities #71

used to do more memorizing,” she explains, “but here there are so many more discussions.” Cristy says Priory teachers are “not so strict. You can sit down and talk with them.” Living in the dorms has also exposed Cristy to new growth. “The RFs have given me a more mature perspective of what it is to be black in America, about racism I didn’t see in Puerto Rico. This is someone’s reality that I was blind to,” she says, “and I’m glad I’m not blind to it anymore.” Besides the deep conversations, Cristy has also tried laser tag, skiing and surfing for the first time, tried food from numerous cultures, discovered thrift shopping, and visited San Francisco. After living with no electricity in Puerto Rico for seven months, the wealth of opportunities here feels like a miraculous gift. Theology classes have become a new interest for her, such as “Pop Goes Religion” where the study revolves around analysis, “thinking about what a books says,” Cristy explains. Adam Siler adds that she’s “naturally Benedictine,” and “independent of her own spirituality, she embodies the best parts of the Benedictine tradition.”
And though Cristy’s dream has come true to study at an American boarding school, this also led to another dream: college. Cristy shows passionate interest in both marine biology and interior design, and she plans to continue competitive swimming, at which she excels. “College counseling is a resource I appreciate having,” she says. “It’ll make my dream come true.” In fact, Cristy has already had at least one offer.
But make no mistake: Cristy gives back. “She makes any team better,” says Siler. Cohen adds, “You don’t hear her complain much.” “It’s a huge opportunity,” says Cristy. “Why would I complain?” Gratitude runs through her response—to Mr. Crisostomo for college counseling, to Residential Faculty for “being like an older friend,” to Mr. Cohen for “all he has given me.”
While it’s true that the universe sometimes seems to send hurricanes our way, it also sends gifts. The Priory community is one lucky recipient to have Cristina Rosario Peréz join us this year.
Hurricane Maria damage was severe
throughout Puerto Rico. 15
The hurricane literally stripped leaves and branches from trees.
Even waterways were damaged by the hurricane as this bare dock shows.
STUDENT FEATURE