Purpose in Perspective | Jesse Jovel

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Life is all about perspective.

In his dark blazer, tie, and dress shirt, Jesse peered confidently into the screen with a subtle smile in anticipation of the questions to come.

Jesse Jovel, a 2008 graduate of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School in Los Angeles, lived his adolescent years in hopes of high achievement and growth towards a career of purpose and one that brings his strengths back to his community.

This exclusive interview commemorates Jesse’s experiences as a Cristo Rey student and alum, and reflects upon his continued journey now as the Vice President of Corporate Work Study at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School.

Q&A 1

Hindsight is always 20/20.

What has your Cristo Rey and college experience revealed about you as a learner?

My Jesuit education in high school and college revealed that the learning that happens outside of the classroom is just as important as what happens in the classroom. At both Verbum Dei and LMU, I saw my academic strengths play a pivotal role in my successes outside the classroom. At both campuses, I took on leadership roles and was able to mobilize my classmates to take part in making an impact on the student experience. That mattered to me and kept me engaged and motivated.

Verbum Dei Jesuit High School '08 Loyola Marymount University B.A. '12, M.A. '14

Meet Jesse Jovel 2

As the Vice President of Corporate Work Study, what hopes do you have for the future of the Corporate Work Study Program? What impact do you want to leave behind?

December 2022 Full circle visit to TCW Group

I hope that each student that goes through our program is able to value the lessons and healthy habits they’ve learned at home and embrace the CWS as an opportunity to supplement and expand on their abilities. It’s important to me that our students see their families and histories as rich and valuable, and see the CWS as a golden opportunity that will elevate their gifts to greater heights.

3

What does your local and national community mean to you?

Verbum Dei and the Cristo Rey Network mission have meant love to me. An ambitious mission and program can only be moved by the power of love. I transferred to Verbum Dei in the summer of 2005, and after a troubled start to high school, they opened their doors despite what my transcript read.

I’ve experienced this love in various ways since, and have been blessed enough to be on the giving end. But one thing is clear- the foundation of our efforts has to be love in order to fulfill our mission and calling.

Upon his closing remarks, Jesse reminisced about the people who made the greatest impact on the trajectory of his education and career - a path that may not have been destined for him otherwise. His crucial decision to transfer to Verbum Dei transpired into far more than a high school diploma, it became his vocation. His invaluable perspective validates the work being done at Verbum Dei and all Cristo Rey schools, to open the doors of opportunity through the Corporate Work Study program experience. Jesse’s leadership continues to help guide the Cristo Rey mission, leaving a lasting impression on the students of Verbum Dei Jesuit High School.