Category: Success Stories

Anselmo Sandoval is a graduate of Nativity’s Class of 2007. He comes from a family that is deeply committed to education, and both he and his brother attended Nativity, went on to Bellarmine, and enrolled in Jesuit universities. Anselmo is set to graduate from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in the coming months, and his brother Jose just returned from a semester abroad through Santa Clara University and studied in England. Anselmo’s mother, Josefina Madrigal, has been a huge supporter of Nativity in the years since her sons graduated, and she is a fixture at our annual Fiesta. She leads the piñata-making charge for our raffle every year, and we have her and her team of dedicated mamas to thank for
their efforts to ensure a Nativity education is available for generations to come.

Below, a conversation with Anselmo about his journey to university and the advice he offers to our current Nativity students.

As a first generation college bound student, when was the moment you realized college/university was in your future?
For me college was always emphasized since I was in 4th grade. Both my mother and father always encouraged me to continue my education so that I would not have to struggle in life as they have. My father once told me that his dream/goal as a parent was to watch me walk the stage receiving a college degree.

In what ways did SHN prepare you for high school and college?
SHNS helped me prepare for high school and college by developing healthy life habits. For example, writing in my planner every day, splitting heavy homework assignments over several days, reviewing course work every day for about 30 minutes to better prepare for exams and more importantly that education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty.

What was your educational path after graduating from Sacred Heart Nativity School for Boys?
After Sacred Heart Nativity School I attended Bellarmine College Preparatory. Keeping the Jesuit tradition alive, I attended Saint Joseph’s University [in Philadelphia, PA].

Why did you choose St. Joseph’s for college?
As a Junior at Bellarmine, I was able to go on an east coast college tour funded by the Bellarmine Alumni New York Chapter. On the college tour I visited; Drexel, Fordham, Hofstra, Saint John’s and Saint Joseph’s University. When I toured Saint Joseph’s, I fell in love with the campus, I enjoyed the small school size (4600), majors being offered in the school of business and the strong Jesuit sense of brotherhood that I felt at Bellarmine.

How did your family react to your decision to study on the East Coast? Was it difficult to be far away?
My decision to study on the East Coast was a tough decision, but ultimately with the support of my parents I felt ready. I wanted my college experience to challenge me not only academically but spiritually as well, and I felt that stepping out of my comfort zone would be the best way to
achieve that.

What kept you on track in college?
In college my biggest problem was time management and in order to keep from being home sick or bored I joined various clubs and activities on campus. I enjoyed clubs that I did at Bellarmine; English Premiere League Club, Intermural Soccer, Sustainability Club, Spanish Club, Running Club and Latino Club.

What is your current area of study in college, and what are your career plans?
I am currently finishing up my undergraduate degree in International Business. I have done internships over the past years in Data Acquisition/Data Mining. As I look forward in my career path I hope to work in Human Resources.

What advice would you give to Nativity graduates?
My advice to Nativity graduates is to not be afraid of failure. One of the slogans at St Joe’s is “Not for Spectators” which I believe is highly applicable in everyday life. Don’t be afraid to try out for a sport, audition for a play, attend a club, make new friends or renew old friendships. Most importantly step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

The major accomplishments of our schools center on the success of our alumni. We are so proud to highlight the success of one of our graduates, Michelle Ramirez, a member of the Our Lady of Grace class of 2012.

How was your transition from SHNS to Notre Dame High School?
My transition to NDSJ was pretty easy.  Because I had been prepared at OLG workload and schoolwork wise, it was easy to get into the hang of things at Notre Dame.  I really do feel like I was ready after OLG to take on the challenges that would be presented to me in high school.

What were you involved in at NDSJ?
I was an ambassador for the school, and I was also a club leader for Latinas Unida. I was president of the club my senior year.  I also attended two justice immersion trips, one to El Salvador over the summer last year, and the other to East LA earlier in the semester.  I was also in the Track and Field team.

What was your favorite class/book and why?
My favorite classes where AP Psychology and AP Spanish Literature and Composition, because these are two subjects that I am very interested in and the material covered was at all times captivating.  I love Spanish and it being my first language, I was excited to expand my knowledge and learn new things.  Psychology is also a subject that completely blows my mind, as it unravels so much about the human psyche.  Although all my classes were very enjoyable, I have to say these two have been one of my top favorites.

What words of advice you do have for our 8th grade students who are preparing for high school?
Really focus on your school work during your last year, and know that everything that you do at OLG will prepare you for high school.  Continue being driven and passionate about your work, and give it your all no matter how big or how small a task may seem.  Remember that there are people around you that are there to support you, and that you can always come back to SHNS and OLG to get help.

Why did you choose Scripps College for post-secondary study?
I chose Scripps because of the vast amount of resources and opportunities available for students.  I also noticed that a lot of the students were very passionate about social justice, [and] social justice has become a big part of my life.  Classes are rigorous and challenging, and I can’t wait to be there immersing myself in all things that Scripps has to offer me.

What advice do you have for the rising seniors who will be applying to colleges in a few months?
I would suggest that they focus on finding an environment that nourishes and fosters all of their qualities.  To consider all of their options despite prestige or name, and to truly choose a college that will challenge them while at the same time provide them with all the resources and support needed.

What do you plan on studying at Scripps?
I would love to major in psychology and media studies/communications and minor in Chicano Latino Studies.

What would you like to be when you “grow up”?
I would like to be a lawyer.  Although I do not know what sort of lawyer I would like to be, I know that I want to eventually work with those in my community and many others like them.

Miguel Verduzco is a graduate of Nativity’s Class of 2006. After Nativity, Miguel moved over to the Bellarmine campus and graduated in 2010. From BCP, Miguel attended San Jose City College from 2010-2012, and this past May, Miguel graduated from Calilfornia State University at Monterey Bay. Presently, Miguel is a Mental Health Specialist at Gardner Family Care Corporation on Virginia Street.

Miguel’s successful journey is unusual in that it is difficult for junior college students to stay focused on their goal for a college degree because of work, over-crowded classes, and life’s distractions. However, not only did Miguel keep to a plan, he graduated from a public junior college and public university in four years. That is nearly impossible. Below, Miguel shares a little of his story.

What difficulties did you discover in high school that helped drive you toward your goal?
I became aware of ethnic, educational, economic, and social challenges during my high school years. These discoveries drew me to consider sociology as a major field of study. It is a rare junior college student who can keep his “eye on the prize” and move through community college in two years.

How did you do it?
To start, I lived at home. I needed to take 15+ units per semester to keep my summers free to work. My greatest challenge was time management. That takes real discipline. Because I went to Bellarmine, I had the skills and dedication to compete academically, and I kept my dream in sight. I had the ability to get to class faithfully, the hunger to learn, and the organization necessary to keep everything in balance.

Why Cal State Monterey Bay?
My girlfriend (at the time) liked Monterey Bay – and I just figured, why not? Maybe not the best of reasons, but it was the right school for me.

I have to ask, is she still your girlfriend?
No, college life and long range dating got in the way.

What kept you on task at Cal State?
I took 18 units each semester and locked myself into a disciplined schedule. From Monday through Friday I was in a routine, and weekends were often spent catching up. I learned to reach out for help from professors and fellow students, and their support allowed me to navigate through
the CSU system and set goals for post graduate life. Cal State Monterey Bay helped me to be pro-active, and that quality has made a world of difference.

What was your major and are you using your education in your present job?
I graduated in Social Behavior Science with a concentration on Sociology. I work for Gardner Family Care Corporation as a Mental Health Specialist. I assist kids and families that have been through the county health services system with real-life crises. I like my job and I love the families I work with. I am well-trained to do what I am doing.

Would there be a parting hint that you would give future Nativity graduates?
Yes, network, communicate, and ask for help. Don’t go through a tough time without seeking out people to help you, whether they be personal mentors, educational support, or friendly classmates. At Nativity we learned to work hard and serve others, but we were never told to do it in a vacuum – all alone. Ask for help. Give help. Talk to those ahead of you. Alert teachers to issues you find difficult, and offer to support others. Sacred Heart Nativity School and Bellarmine taught me to be a person for others. It was a lesson well learned.