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Cris Gomez '10 on Living with “Grit & Grace”
Gomez speaking at Westminster’s 2010 Commencement
Mention the name Cris Gomez ’10 to Westminster faculty and you’ll likely see big smiles break out across their faces. Cris served as Head Prefect in his final year at Westminster and was a community favorite for his kind nature, positive demeanor and commitment to the core values of the school. Even after graduating, he has taken to heart Westminster’s motto of “Grit and Grace,” exhibiting the traits daily as an inner-city teacher in New York City. I caught up with Cris to talk about what he’s currently up to and how he remembers his time at Westminster.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently in my first year at Teach For America (a national teacher corps of recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in under-resourced urban and rural public communities around the U.S.). I teach kindergarten at Democracy Prep in New York City. I’m also pursuing my master’s degree in education at Fordham.
Have you kept in touch with classmates and/or teachers from Westminster?
Yes, absolutely! Three of my Westy classmates came to Wake Forest with me, and I still have close group in NYC I see often. In fact, one of my current roommates – Tom Cavazuti – graduated with me in 2010. Westminster is such a close-knit community; it’s not surprising that we’ve stayed connected.
Gomez with Miller Robinson ‘10, classmates at Wake Forest
Regarding mentors, I still keep in touch with Mr. Philip. He was a huge mentor for me at Westminster. When I heard he was named headmaster at Westminster I couldn’t have been happier – he’s perfect for the position.
Gomez with Miller Robinson ‘10, classmates at Wake Forest
Is there anything from your experience here that has helped you in your post-Westminster life?
The motto “Grit and Grace” has always stayed with me. I especially try to show it in Teach For America, where it’s really important to be able to grit it out every day, have patience with the kids and overcome adversity, while also trying to teach students the same values. They’re coming from much harder circumstances, so it’s an important thing for them to have in their lives.
What is your favorite memory of Westminster?
I always really enjoyed the Candlelight Services. The Chapel is so beautiful, and it’s a really great ceremony. Plus we went straight from that into Christmas break, so that was nice.
Also, finally being pulled onto the lawn was a great experience. My brother (Andres Gomez ’06) graduated four years before me, so it was special that I was able to follow in his footsteps.
If you could tell current Martlets one thing, what would it be?
Embody the core values and motto of “Grit and Grace” at Westminster and wherever you go afterwards; they are extremely helpful. Think about them daily, as a student and an alumnus, and try to live them.
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