Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Student with Matt

Transcript

It’s time to meet Matt, a recent grad who’s hard at work in medical school and credits his time at St. John’s and St. Ben’s with setting him up for success. 80% of graduates, find career related work or volunteer service either before graduation or soon after. Matt is part of the 20% who go on to professional or graduate school and get this, 90% of Benny’s and Johnny’s finish in four years. Let’s hear about your interesting journey, Matt, take it away.

– Hi. Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I took my first college tours at St. Ben’s in St. John’s University during my junior year of high school, and no other school matched the campus community vibe. I wanted college to be my own journey, not just a pile of classes and resume builders, between high school and med school. I found those opportunities right here. Preparing for medical school was daunting. I’m glad I chose a small residential, liberal arts community like St. Ben’s and St. John’s. The small class sizes and easy access to pre-med faculty mentorship, help me keep on top of coursework and stay on track towards my goals. I found powerful opportunities here, like the chance to work with the SJU Health Initiative and volunteer with the campus EMT squad. Those definitely had an impact on my medical school applications, but this place is more than that. Here I was able to run for the St. John’s Track team. I led a non-denominational ministry team. St. Ben’s and St. John’s gave me the chances to be who I wanted to be, to do the things I liked and to discover new things, while still achieving my academic and career goals. The emphasis on engaging globally inspired me to spend a year in Kenya after graduation and serving with the Benedictine Volunteer Board. Now I’m succeeding in medical school at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine. I’m proud to have represented St. Ben’s in St. John’s, both on the streets of Kenya and now in the halls of the Mayo Clinic. Healthcare professions are important roles, that definitely need filling, and St. Ben’s. St. John’s is a great place to get that start. That’s my story. Thanks for letting me tell it, Alex.

– Wow, Matt, you’re on your way to becoming a physician and we believe the opportunities you’ve had along the way to blend global experience and the liberal arts are gonna make you a great one. Your story and your year volunteering after graduation sound incredible. Thank you for making a difference. There you have it. There is nothing in the country like the strong integrated experience of the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University. Top tier academics delivered in a welcoming, inclusive Catholic Benedictine tradition in a natural setting, that’s second to none. The opportunity students find here and the outcomes once they leave, to think deeply, to embrace difference, to engage globally, to serve graciously and to live courageously, makes Benny’s and Johnny’s great leaders, great citizens, great neighbors. Does it get any better than that? So that’s it from me. Now it’s your turn to go learn more about the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University. You will absolutely love visiting these amazing campuses. I know I sure did. We’ll see you on campus real soon. Everyone. Take care.