Meet Brandon Brito ’20 who participated twice in the Alumni Job Shadowing Program
Full Name: Brandon Brito
Class Year: 2020
Major: English and Theatre
Shadowing Visit Site: Cristo Rey New York and KIPP Charter School
1. Describe your visit and what did you gain from the experience?
I never know what to expect with my visits but being this was my second time doing it, I realized how much alumni want us to reach out and network with them. I visited Cristo Rey and KIPP Charter school and got to have two very different experiences. At Cristo Rey, I actually shadowed a teacher and sat in his classrooms as well as engaged in conversations with his students including a debate that was done. I got to meet all the teachers as well as learn about a possible fellowship I may want to do when I graduate. At KIPP Charter school, I had a more administrative experience. I got to learn about the process it takes to build a school from scratch including the teacher hiring process that was useful to learn about because in a few years, I will be interviewing for that.
2. How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans/goals?
I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher and get into education. With every visit, I am reminded how much I want to do this. I got excited walking into those classrooms and speaking with students. With Cristo Rey, I got that rush and excitement when I stepped foot inside. I often forgot I was a Holy Cross student and felt like a teacher in that moment- sharing my experience and the process up until to this point.
3. What is some helpful advice your alumni host shared with you?
I got to know two alumni and felt confident in the education I am getting here at Holy Cross. Both shared a similar advice which was to reach out to more alumni and create a strong network because they are eager to assist to fellow Crusaders.
4. Why would you recommend the Alumni Job Shadowing Program to other students?
You lose nothing by doing this program. It’s best to do it as early as possible because it does help with the constant uncertainty of what you want to do especially for those struggling to pick a major.
