The Gonzalez family arrived in Fort Worth nine years ago, facing language barriers, the loss of a father, and uncertainty about the future. Determined to find a school that could see both their challenges and their potential, the siblings enrolled at Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep.
Antonio “Jorge” Gonzalez – From Low‑Income Roots to Biomedical Engineering
Antonio, the oldest of six, once thought college was out of reach. “Being from a low‑income family, this path seemed nearly impossible,” he recalled. Through Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program, he worked at Catholic Charities, TrinityRail and Alcon, where he discovered a passion for engineering. Today he studies biomedical engineering at the University of North Texas, minors in mathematics and mechanical engineering, and works as a student lab assistant at UNT’s Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing. The earnings from his work study provide financial stability for his family.
Cesar Gonzalez – Entrepreneurial Drive Strengthened by College
Cesar entered high school already helping his uncle’s fence‑repair business. He didn’t need a dream handed to him, but he needed someone to challenge his assumptions about how far that dream could go. Cristo Rey’s Director of College Initiatives, Christina Jimenez, encouraged him to write a business plan and connected him with a board member for guidance. By teaching Cesar’s sophomore English class in Spanish while he answered in English, she helped him improve language skills and see college as a tool to amplify his entrepreneurship.
Giselle Gonzalez – Architecture and Civil Engineering at Texas Tech
In 2023, Giselle graduated from Cristo Rey and enrolled at Texas Tech University, double‑majoring in architecture and civil engineering. Each summer she returns to intern with CWSP partner CH4 (formerly Uinta Wax), gaining increasing responsibility and confidence. Her experience illustrates how Cristo Rey’s work‑study model can provide ongoing professional growth beyond graduation.
Jimena Gonzalez – Exploring a Calling in Healthcare
Jimena, a member of the Class of 2027, has worked at NurseCore and Cook Children’s Hospital through the work‑study program. Those experiences sparked an interest in nursing and broader medical careers, giving her a clear view of the teamwork and compassion required in healthcare.
Future Paths – Aldo Gonzalez Begins His Journey
The newest sibling, Aldo, started as a freshman in the Class of 2030. He joins a school that refuses a one‑size‑fits‑all approach, offering high expectations, real‑world experience, and individualized support. While his future remains unwritten, Cristo Rey provides the foundation for him to discover his own path.
Across the Gonzalez family, Cristo Rey Fort Worth has delivered more than a uniform curriculum. It has offered rigorous academics, meaningful work experience, and mentors who respect each student’s unique aspirations. The school’s commitment to high expectations and personalized support continues to empower families seeking both faith‑based education and practical preparation for the workforce.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
