As a Junior, Matthew Ferrara ’23 and classmates traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a summit on social justice. It’s one of his favorite memories, and it embodies what Matthew has accomplished at Jesuit High School Sacramento: trying new things and moving outside of comfort zones.

“[The trip to Washington D.C.] was impactful to hear from some of the most prominent Jesuit voices and to have conversations about social justice with students from other Jesuit schools,” Matthew said. 

Another “new activity” was track and field, which made Matthew uncomfortable and also helped him form many friendships.

“I’m proud of myself for challenging myself to try new things,” Matthew said. “I joined the track team when I was a freshman and I didn’t really know a lot of people. Through that, I’ve been able to make a lot of new friends, have a lot of fun.”

One of the friends he made on the track and field team is Daniel Sokoler ’23. Throughout the last four years, Daniel has seen Matthew’s caring and authentic personality.

“He’s very kind, and also very thoughtful,” Daniel said. “He’s genuine, and really displays his true personality. He’s very easy going and willing to do whatever, and he’s funny as well. He’s passionate about what he likes, and works hard for his goals.”

Like Daniel, Matthew’s Environmental Science teacher Mr. Nick Lai has also noticed Matthew’s penchant for meaningful contemplation. 

“I think he’s really thoughtful and really insightful,” Mr. Lai said. “He understands and can see multiple sides to an issue, so he’s really interesting to talk to. I like having him in class.”

Mr. Lai is confident that whatever Matthew decides to do, he will succeed at it and help make the world a better place.

“I think he’s going to succeed,” Mr. Lai said. “He’s going to do really well in whatever he decides to do, and it sounds like he wants to do something that makes a difference in the world and in other people’s lives.”

For Matthew, his focus for the future is taking the values he has learned here at Jesuit and applying them to his everyday life.

“Part of my goals for the future is just to take what I’ve learned at Jesuit, and taking what I learned from the Grad at Grad and continuing that through college, and then after that, my goal is just to make the world a better place by what I do,” Matthew said.

Matthew is a classmate who makes the brotherhood strong. Regardless of what Matthew chooses to do, he will make life better for those around him by being his authentic self.