We'll Be in Your Neighborhood! | | | | |
The Alumni Office is hitting the road this fall! Check out our upcoming college visit dates and stop by to say hello and catch up. I will send a text prior to my visit!
Things I love to know:
- What is a recent accomplishment you're proud of?
- What do you find yourself struggling with the most?
- Have you joined any clubs on campus?
- What does your schedule look like?
I want you to have all of the resources you need to succeed.
Don't see your college? Let me know and I'll make sure we meet!
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Scholarship Opportunties
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting scholarship opportunities and resources that support Hispanic and Latino students pursuing higher education. Your background, experiences, and dreams matter.
Most scholarships have closed for the Fall 2026, but bookmark these for the next acadmic cycle, as many have different deadlines!
1. Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
College and graduate students
Scholarships of $500–$5,000 for eligible HSF Scholars, plus mentoring, leadership development, and career resources. Eligibility and deadlines vary.
Explore HSF scholarships >
Follow their Instagram Page >
2. Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
Undergraduates, graduate students and first-generation students
Offers scholarships through corporate partners, including opportunities for business, engineering, healthcare, and other majors. Eligibility and deadlines vary.
Explore HACU opportunities >
| | Same Roots. Different Chapters. | |
Jose Ortega Caceres, '19
What are you doing now?
Jose is a proud first-generation college graduate who studied Marketing at Bentley University, driven by his interest in understanding how businesses operate. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of since leaving NDCR is becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. Jose
What is one lesson from NDCR that you still use today?
NDCR taught Jose the importance of taking things seriously, managing his time, and valuing both education and the Corporate Work Study experience. He also learned that success takes time and that it's okay when life doesn't go exactly as planned.
What advice would you give another NDCR alum?
"Keep learning and don't stop."
Jose encourages fellow alumni to focus on themselves, continue learning, and not become distracted by things that don't matter. His reminder for life after college is just as important: you may never feel 100% ready, but you'll be okay—take life one day at a time and keep doing your best.
Jose is one of the newest members to join the Alumni Committee.
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Zoilo Mendez, '24
What are you doing now?
Zoilo is currently a junior at UMass Amherst studying Biomedical Engineering. He is working toward the goals he set for himself—earning his degree and beginning a career as a professional engineer.
What is one lesson from NDCR that you still use today?
One lesson Zoilo carries with him from NDCR is the importance of perseverance. Even when things get difficult, he reminds himself to keep pushing forward, believing that with the right mindset and hard work, goals can become reality rather than remain dreams.
What advice would you give another NDCR alum?
“Always bet on yourself and keep putting in the work.”
Zoilo encourages fellow alumni to take challenges one step at a time, believe in their own abilities, and approach obstacles with the right attitude. Most importantly, he reminds others to stay true to themselves and keep striving for greatness.
Zoilo’s story reminds us that success doesn’t mean the journey will always be easy—it means continuing to believe in yourself and move forward, even when it gets hard.
| | | Fall Open House & Winter Alumni Panel | | |
Know a family exploring high school options?
Bring them to an upcoming Open House and show them the community that helped shape your journey.
We're also looking for alumni volunteers to welcome families, share their NDCR experience, and help prospective students imagine what's possible. Please contact me directly to volunteer.
📅 Save the Date: Sunday, Oct 18
🕒 Time: 1:00 PM
| | | Your Story Can Help the Next Student | |
Every college and career journey looks different — and that is exactly what makes your story valuable.
This winter, we are looking for alumni willing to speak honestly with current students about their experiences after NDCR. We hope to include voices from a variety of paths, including four-year colleges, community college and transfer journeys, careers, graduate school, trades, military service, entrepreneurship, and more.
We don’t need perfect stories — we need real ones.
Share what worked, what was difficult, what you learned along the way, and what you wish you had known before taking your next step.
Interested in being a panelist?
📅 Save the Date: Tuesday, Dec 15
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM
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Q: I'm halfway through the semester, and things aren't going as planned. Is it too late to turn things around?
Absolutely not! Midterms can be stressful, especially when your grades aren't where you'd like them to be, you're feeling overwhelmed, or you're questioning whether you're on the right track. The good news? You still have options, and you don't have to figure everything out alone.
Here are a few steps you can take NOW:
Check Your Academic Progress: Review your grades and upcoming assignments. Reach out to your professors, attend office hours, and ask what you can realistically do to improve.
Use Your Campus Resources: Tutoring centers, academic advisors, study groups, and success coaches are there to help you. Don't wait until you're falling further behind to use them!
Know Your Deadlines: Thinking about withdrawing from a course? Speak with your academic advisor AND financial aid office first. Dropping a class could affect your financial aid, academic progress, or graduation timeline.
Prioritize Your Well-Being: College can be overwhelming. If stress, anxiety, or personal challenges are affecting your semester, connect with your campus counseling or wellness center. Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
One difficult semester does not define your college journey. What matters is recognizing when something isn't working and taking action. Sometimes that means adjusting your study habits, asking for help, or exploring a different path.
As your NDCR Alumni Counselor, I'm here to help you navigate academic challenges, understand your options, connect with campus resources, or simply talk through what's going on.
Don't wait until things get worse. Reach out, and let's create a plan together!
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CareerSpring is a robust, no-cost career development platform tailored to FGLI students and grads. It offers a blend of information, personalized advice, and job placement services, supported by a nationwide network of partners and volunteers — all designed to democratize access to meaningful employment and professional growth. Opportunities can take place virtually or in person nationally.
Let me know if you'd like help registering, exploring tools, or diving deeper into any part!
Passcode: NDCRGRAD
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Explore Our New Alternatives Pathways Resources
🗓️ October 13th at 12:00 PM-1::00 PM, CDT
📍Online
Register >
Networking Strategies Info Session by MassHire
🗓️ October 15th at 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM, EDT
📍Online
Learn more >
NSBE Boston Career Fair 2026
🗓️ October 15th at 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, CDT
📍Cambridge, MA
Learn more >
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Salary Negotiation Info Session by MassHire
🗓️ October 16th at 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, EDT
📍Online
Register >
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In Person Recruitment for Pursuit Aerospace
🗓️ October 28th at 9:30 AM
📍Online
Register >
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Job Search Tools Info Session by MassHire
🗓️ October 29th at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, EDT
📍Online
Register >
| | | Season of Giving: Two Ways to Make a Difference | |
As the holiday season approaches, it's a wonderful time to come together and support those in our community who may need a little extra help. Whether you're a college student, working professional, or simply looking for a way to give back, every act of generosity makes a difference! | | | |
Give a Little, Make a Big Difference!
Looking for a meaningful way to give back this season? Consider making a financial contribution to support individuals and families in need.
No donation is too small! Whether it's $5, $10, or whatever you're comfortable giving, your generosity can help support important community programs and services.
Together, we can make this season a little brighter for our neighbors!
Every contribution counts!
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Share the Love: Donate Food to Lazarus House!
Help us spread kindness this season by supporting Lazarus House Ministries, a local organization serving individuals and families experiencing hunger and hardship in the Greater Lawrence community.
Consider donating nonperishable food items to help stock their pantry and provide meals to neighbors in need.
Ideas for donations:
- Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and beans
- Pasta, rice, and cereal
- Peanut butter and other shelf-stable foods
- Other unopened, nonexpired pantry essentials
📍 Drop-Off Location: Campus Ministry Office at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
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