Marisa Quevedo and mom, Stephanie.

From the desk of Ginger Bell, Director of Family and Alumni Relations:

Marisa Quevedo, ’14, first arrived at Brook Hill for her freshman year in August, 2010 and graduated in May, 2014.  A tennis phenom, Marisa handled the mix of school and tournaments well.  But, for her sophomore and junior years, she was recovering from major surgery and could not compete.  So she took those years to travel across the world, study online and eventually return to training while living with her sister in Dallas.  She then decided she wanted to graduated from Brook Hill and returned for her senior year.

She is currently playing Tennis at Seton Hall in New Jersey while continuing to thrive academically.  She just completed her final tennis tournament of her freshman year and the team did well.  Read more here http://www.shupirates.com/sports/w-tennis/recaps/042515aaa.html.

But her college life isn’t just about tennis!  According to Marisa, she is “also studying Biology on the Pre-Med track but am maybe switching to Biochemistry and Minoring in Accounting. I am very involved with the Catholic Church on campus and quite a few other organizations including the Undergraduate Dean’s Student Cabinet of Arts and Sciences.”   I would say she is living the college life as it should be lived!

As she told us, “One of my favorite memories was winning State my senior year and the only year I competed on the school tennis team. I learned so much from Coach Clements and had my family and friends cheering me on in the finals. Playing individual sports my whole life until then, I couldn’t of been more happy to be encouraged by my teammates on the sidelines. They definitely pushed me through that grueling four hour match in 100 degrees.”   And, those teachers in the classroom!  What an impact they had during her two years, too.

When asked about influential teachers, we almost stumped her. “To me, that is such a hard question. I had such wonderful teachers in my two years at Brook Hill. Mr. Travis taught me to question. Mrs. Brunson still encourages me today with her love for science. Watching her eyes light up in class as she lectured about Anatomy amazed me and I crave a passion for knowledge like hers. Mr. Clements was not my teacher but he was a coach and he taught me that the kindness and full-heartedness makes the world a better place. But, Dr. Ward, although he is no longer a part of the school, encouraged me to be the best women I could be. He taught me about the Lord and influenced me to truly find something to have faith in. He is the reason why I am so steadfast in my faith today.

Marisa faced many struggles during her high school years and gained insight into how to best deal with it.  Her advice to our current students is to always remember where you home is.  College provides many wonderful opportunities for expression and explorations.  Marisa further explains, “College gives us all a chance to venture far away and experience new things and to even make almost all of our decisions from here on out. Understanding how wonderful of an opportunity you have, making the most out of your opportunity, and calling your family every few days to catch up are all definite must do’s in college. For now, get as many college credits as you can, join a sports team, and be a part of your school. Time flies quicker than you think.  

Brook Hill challenged me to ask questions, formulate opinions, and prepare myself for each day. There was not a single day where I was not pondering or exploring my studies and the discussions we had in class. I feel as though Brook Hill challenged me to take initiative. They gave me the opportunities and the education but I needed to study, prepare, and figure things out myself so I could make use of all of the help and guidance that is readily available at the school. I wouldn’t be studying over one thousand miles away from my family if it wasn’t for Brook Hill. I had the opportunity to go to one of the best universities in the nation and play division one athletics on a full scholarship and Brook Hill encouraged me to take it.”

“Brook Hill prepared me to be prepared. It prepared me to face diversity. Brook Hill pushed me in my academics and showed me that nothing came easily. Working towards a goal was imperative at Brook Hill. I do believe that the best thing that Brook Hill helped me with for my life now is to be unafraid of being confused as long as you will ask the questions. Brook Hill showed me that you will be tired and worn down from tests and school work but there are people to help you and if you put the work in, eventually the results will appear.”

Thank you, Marisa, for sharing this with us.  It is gratifying to hear of the impact Brook Hill had on your life.  You certainly left an impression on us!

I was also pleased to receive this message from her father, Dr. Quevedo,  just this last week:  Thought Brook Hill (especially you) would like to see some of Marisa’s final tournament of her freshman year. Her team placed 5th overall. It has been a great year with ups and downs. We are so blessed to be able to enjoy her as a young adult. It has been such an eye opener after the tragedies that Brook Hill has faced this year. A little distance is not that big of a deal. We are realizing the joys in every day and moment. The small steps mean just as much as the big ones.

God Bless, love the Quevedo family – please forward this to Papa Ricky, she loves him so much!

Marisa at tournament for Seton Hall

Marisa in focus