Cristo Rey Kansas City

Mone'kai and Adalberto

"Stay In Your Own Lane"
Mone'kai Shannon Thornton and Adalberto Arroyo Cross the Finish Line

Cristo Rey alumni and recent college graduates, Mone'kai Shannon-Thornton and Adalberto Arroyo, returned to their alma mater to share their wisdom. As Commencement speakers, they were proof that you can go home again.

A recent graduate of the College of Saint Benedict, in Minnesota, Mone'kai offered three pieces of advice to the Class of 2016.Using the metaphor of the road, she encouraged graduates to stay on their own path, eyes fixed on the goal, and, "Always, stay in your own lane."

1. "Always, always say yes to new things."

2. "You have been given the chance to start over. Your life is now a blank canvas."

3. "Keep your eyes on your own path. . .don't compare yourself." CRKC College Grads

Berto, who recently earned a degree in film and media studies from the University of Kansas, told the grads, "Your future is in your hands. You can be whatever you want to be. . .as long as you are willing to fight and work hard for it."