News Detail

Collegiate Friars: May 2022

Catching up with young alumni Xonhane Medina ’20 (Long Island U.) and Ian Havenaar ’19 (Notre Dame).
XONHANE MEDINA
Fenwick Graduation: Class of 2020
Hometown: Chicago
Grade School: Ellen Mitchell Elementary
Current School: Long Island University- Brooklyn, NY
Major: Biochemistry and Psychology
Summer internships: I worked as an Imperiled Species Recovery Policy Intern with Defenders of Wildlife last summer. I am currently leaning towards an internship with Mental Health America as a policy intern but have not decided yet.
Career aspirations:  I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon for infants and toddlers.
Fenwick achievements/activities: Fenwick Girls’ Water Polo - IHSA 2nd and 3rd place champion, All-Sectional Team, All-Conference Team, All-State Team; Fenwick Girls’ Swim & Dive - National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association All-American; Shield Ambassador; Kairos Retreat Leader
Fenwick teacher who had the most influence on you: Ms. Toni Dactilidis
Fenwick class that had the most influence on you: AP Biology with Mr. Dan Wnek
Best Fenwick experience/the one you would like to live again: Kairos
What Fenwick experience changed you the most: The experience of being a student-athlete had the most profound impact on me. As a student, I learned how to think outside the box and apply myself to every problem and task. As a swimmer and water polo player, I learned numerous lessons from a handful of coaches: time-management, perseverance, grit, tenacity, and love. Every single test, competition, pasta party and sleepless night studying helped mold me into a brilliant and courageous woman. The lessons I learned in the classroom and the pool followed to college. I cannot thank the Fenwick faculty and coaches for helping me become part of who I am today. Overall, being part of the Fenwick culture and the friar lifestyle, in and out of the pool, helped me change and grow into someone who knows the value of hard work, education, family and love.
 
IAN HAVENAAR
Fenwick Graduation: Class of 2019
Hometown: LaGrange Park, IL
Grade School: Saint Francis Xavier
Current School: University of Notre Dame
Major: Computer Science
Summer internship: This summer I will be working remotely for Dell Technologies on their Configuration Services team.
Career aspirations:  In my early career, I hope to become heavily involved in the software engineering industry and then go back to school after some time to earn an MBA. I am currently minoring in engineering corporate practice which has taught me a considerable amount about the intersection between engineering and business.
Fenwick achievements/activities: TEAMS Academic Challenge Captain (1st in state and 5th internationally), Social Studies Department Award, Latin Department Award, Cross Country, Track and Field, Preaching Team and Kairos Leader
Fenwick teacher who had the most influence on you: Mr. Kleinhans and the “engineering eats” events that he hosted were a major reason why I decided on pursuing a career in STEM. Also, he was one of the first people to emphasize the importance of work-life balance, which is incredibly important in your early career.
Fenwick class that had the most influence on you: AP Literature with Mr. Hackman-Brooks taught me an immense amount about life and human nature through classics such as Hamlet and Beowulf.
Best Fenwick experience/the one you would like to live again: Skit writing and performing in Banua was such an amazing experience, and it was a great way to bring the community together in comedy and showcasing students’ talents.
What Fenwick experience changed you the most: Running cross country and track for four years was the way I met many of my closest friends at Fenwick, many of whom I am still good friends with today. The Fenwick community always lasts with you in all that you do.
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