Why I Give Back
The Roberto Surís Athletic Center marks a milestone, not just in my personal journey, but in the collective journey of our high school alma mater, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. High school is a pivotal time in our lives. It is where we forge lasting friendships, discover our passions, and lay the foundation for our future endeavors. For many of us, sports played a significant role in shaping our characters and fostering a sense of community. It is this profound impact that has inspired me to make this contribution.
The athletic center represents more than just a physical structure. It symbolizes Belen’s commitment to the holistic development of students and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Within these walls, countless student-athletes will train, compete, and forge memories that will last a lifetime. It will be a place where dreams are born, where skills are honed, and where champions are made.
God’s plan for my life has blessed me to succeed above my expectations. I feel a responsibility to give back to the people and institutions responsible for helping me achieve my success. I want to inspire other young men to develop the character and principles to succeed. Sports will allow them to have the experiences and opportunities to experience and achieve success that otherwise may not be afforded to them.
At Belen, I was a multi-sport student-athlete. I played football and ran track. Football is a team sport and so one guy relied on the other for the team to succeed. That taught me a lot about delegating and working as a team. It also allowed me to trust others and others to trust me. When you play team sports, you are relying on each other. You must trust those other people and they need to trust you. It’s a battle out there that you fight and have to dig deep inside for more perseverance and strength to perform at the level needed.
This is very similar to how life is. It’s a competitive world. The different stages in football taught me how to overcome adversity and obstacles, to hold on despite overwhelming circumstances and to fight to achieve our goals.
This gift signifies our unwavering belief in the power of education and the transformative influence of extracurricular activities, particularly sports. It is an investment in the next generation, providing them with the tools they need to succeed not only on the field but also in life. Through this athletic center, we aim to instill in our students values such as teamwork, resilience, determination, and to believe that everything is possible if you work for it.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the incredible faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to shaping young men’s minds within these walls, particularly Head Coach and longtime Athletic Director Carlos Barquin. He has influenced thousands of young men, showing us how to compete with honor, determination, values and most of all, faith in God. This athletic center stands as a testament to his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our student’s growth. It is a tribute to his passion and dedication, and I am honored to play a small part in furthering his noble mission.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has given to Belen over the past years. Without the support and encouragement of our alumni community, this endeavor would not have been possible. Your shared belief in the power of education and the impact of extracurricular activities has helped turn this dream into a reality. Let us cherish the memories we made within these hallowed halls and look forward to the future, knowing that our contributions will pave the way for generations to come. Together, we are making a difference that will endure far beyond our time.
Never forget our motto, “Men for Others.” The act of giving is one of life’s greatest rewards. God has blessed me with the gift of being able to impact so many people for generations to come and I encourage you to find your own way of giving back.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: communications@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: communications@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba, by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school's property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit is situated on a 34-acre site in western Dade County, just minutes away from downtown Miami.