Alumni Spotlight
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Gisselle R (OLQA '17, Cristo Rey '21, Fordham '25)
Learn about how Gisselle's time at OLQA prepared her for success in high school, college, and beyond. A proud OLQA graduate, Gisselle is now an honor student at Fordham University who recently got the opportunity to study abroad in London. She plans to work in finance and had already been hired at American Express for her first job out of college.
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Dear James Sayer,
I am writing this letter as a proud alum of Our Lady Queen of Angels School (OLQA). I can't help but reflect on the journey I've been on since I graduated in 2017. It's a journey that began in East Harlem that would not have been possible without the support and guidance of OLQA. I would not be here today, studying abroad in London, pursuing a finance career, and graduating this year at Fordham University with honors if my parents had not transferred me in 7th Grade. My siblings, who also moved to the school, have achieved many great things since their graduation, and we are all grateful to have begun our path at your school.Growing up in a low-income household, in an immigrant family and being a first-generation student, the odds were often against me. Yet, OLQA provided me with more than just an education; it offered me a chance to dream big. The rigorous academics, alongside the moral compass instilled by the school's Catholic values, ignited a fire within me to reach for success. Soon, I will be crossing the stage to receive my bachelor's degree, and in the following weeks, I'll be making a difference in the finance industry for the well-being of the people. This achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the incredible work and service done by the teachers and community of OLQA.For me, OLQA was the place where I first believed that dreams were not limited by circumstances. Growing up, the idea of going to college—let alone becoming a finance leader—felt like a distant goal. However, this school taught me to look beyond my immediate surroundings and to believe I could build a brighter future for myself and my family. Furthermore, OLQA didn't just prepare me academically; it taught me the importance of perseverance and faith. Everyone at the school is committed to helping its students nurture character and create a strong sense of purpose. I recall that the teachers and staff here treated us like family. They took the time to get to know each of us personally, understand the unique challenges we faced and support us in every way they could. They didn't just teach us math, reading, and science—they instilled in us resilience, integrity, and the belief that we could make a difference in the world. Additionally, the school is in a neighborhood where many young students feel held back by their surroundings. However, attending OLQA meant being encouraged to think beyond our limited realities. The community at the school believed in each of us, even if we were too young to fully believe in ourselves.The school also emphasized community and service, values that have stayed with me. I learned early on the importance of giving back, of being a part of something bigger than myself. OLQA taught me that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on others. This perspective is one I've been carrying with me, specifically into my career, as I aim to make finance more accessible to families like mine who face economic challenges. To put into practice, I've helped families in schools learn about financial literacy skills like budgeting, saving, and investing. I have empowered marginalized communities in the Bronx to build wealth and break cycles of poverty.As I prepare to graduate and embark on my professional journey, I feel an overwhelming appreciation for the role OLQA played in my life. Because of all the help, mentorship, and resources, I was able to take the first steps toward a successful future. I will soon become the first in my family to graduate from college with Magna cum laude and step confidently into a career that once felt out of reach.Our Lady Queen of Angels School is more than just a school—it is a place of transformation, a haven of faith, and a community that uplifts those who need it most. I am a product of the mission to empower students, develop their abilities, and prepare them to become successful. I have embodied the core values of integrity, hard work, service, and humility, which I practice daily.Thank you for supporting and recognizing the immense impact Our Lady Queen of Angels has on young lives like mine. Having been a member of the OLQA community is something I will always be proud of. Please do not hesitate to reach out for anything; I'd happily support the school that has given me countless opportunities to build my future. I am excited to see what amazing accomplishments the school has yet to see with your leadership; I look forward to staying connected.Sincerely,Gisselle Reyes, OLQA '17
