by Kary Ellen Berger

In the bustling corridors of DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati, Estefani Roblero stands out for academic success and an unwavering commitment to her heritage, community and faith. An honor student throughout her years at DePaul Cristo Rey, Roblero is focused on finishing her senior year and looks forward to studying neuroscience in college this fall.

Roblero is also the secretary for the school’s St. Vincent de Paul Conference. “I was nominated for this position by my campus minister, James Kozlowski, and I accepted it because I wanted to make a positive impact on others. Additionally, I enjoy creating new service opportunities for the students,” Roblero said.

As a member of the Tanzania Club, Roblero will travel to Tanzania this summer, where club members will participate in a service project and experience the Tanzanian culture. She hopes to meet her pen pal from there during the trip.

Through her religion classes and experiences at DePaul Cristo Rey, Roblero connected more with her faith, she said. Recalling a moment when she felt like God directly connected to her during a school retreat, she shared, “During my sophomore year, I had a profound experience that I consider a ‘God moment.’ We were on a retreat, and we had the opportunity to pray   I approached the altar, and while praying, I felt an overwhelming presence with me, and I started crying. I took this as a sign that God was with me, telling me that everything was going to be okay.”

Roblero recognizes that, even with all the organizations and activities she participates in, putting faith first is at the forefront of her life. She encourages others to not lose hope if they are feeling overwhelming pressure to do it all.

“Although it may be difficult, remember that things will improve and you will overcome anything that comes your way!”

This article appeared in the May 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.