Catching up with recent college graduates and 2016 Fenwick classmates Bridget Corcoran and Brendan Jones.
BRIDGET CORCORAN
Fenwick Graduation: 2016
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Grade School: Visitation
College: Saint Louis University
Major: Investigative and Medical Sciences (IMS)
Internship: My sophomore year at SLU I accepted a position at St. Louis Children’s hospital as a phlebotomist and laboratory assistant. I had the opportunity to work with the greatest kids, exercise the diagnostic laboratory science I learned at SLU, and collaborate with some of the most prestigious pediatric medical professionals.
Career aspirations: I am applying to Physician Assistant (PA) schools all across the country. I have three interview offers already and cannot wait to see where I end up!
Fenwick achievements/activities: Some of my activities at Fenwick included: 4 years on the Poms team, 3 years on the soccer team, Banua, Write Place tutor, Friar Mentor, Latin Club, Illinois State Scholar and Student Council.
Fenwick teacher who had the most influence on you: Although it is almost impossible to pick just one, I would have to say Mr. Trankina. Taking Anatomy with Mr. Trankina my senior year was my first didactic medical experience and really got me excited about pursuing a career as a PA. He also went out of his way to help tutor me in AP Chemistry during my study hall, which really showed his dedication to his students and their success.
Fenwick class that had the most influence on you: Besides Anatomy, a close second in my most influential Fenwick classes would have to be AP Language and Composition (APLAC) with Mrs. Visteen and Mr. O’Connor. It was my first purely discussion-based class on such a wide variety of topics that it undoubtedly prepared me the best for college classes.
Best Fenwick experience/the one you would like to live again: I would easily choose to relive my Poms performances at the homecoming pep rallies every year. During these performances, I felt so much pride in being a Friar and loved every minute of energizing the crowd with a dance we put so much hard work into. I can definitely still remember the choreography for these dances four years later!
What Fenwick experience changed you the most: My four years participating as an Irish dancer in Banua taught me so much about supporting my classmates, appreciating our talent diversity, and working hard to put on the best show. The love and support I felt from the Fenwick community during Banua season was undeniable and showed me how lucky I was to attend a high school with such an uplifting environment.
BRENDAN JONES
Fenwick Graduation: 2016
Hometown: Riverside, IL
Grade School: St. Mary’s
College: Marquette University
Major: Economics
Post-graduate plans: After graduating from Marquette University in May, I was fortunate enough to accept a position as an Operations Assistant at Guaranteed Rate in Chicago. I help mortgage brokers and their clients throughout the lending process. During these hard times, it is rewarding to help people make their dreams of buying a home come true.
Fenwick achievements/activities: I was a member of the football team for four years and was a Kairos leader my senior year.
Fenwick teacher who had the most influence on you: Mrs. Visteen. In her AP Language and Composition class, she taught me how to truly apply what I was learning in the classroom into the real world and how to treat others around me. She was also a great help with papers and college essays in the Write Place.
Fenwick class that had the most influence on you: Mr. Arellano’s speech class definitely had the biggest influence on me. Growing my presentation and speaking skills was incredibly valuable, especially during presentations and job interviews during college.
Best Fenwick experience/the one you would like to live again: My entire time at Fenwick is an experience that I would love to live again. If I had to pick one, my time on the football team is the one that stands out. I got some of my best friends and learned plenty of lessons that I will have for the rest of my life.
What Fenwick experience changed you the most: Leading Kairos my senior year was the Fenwick experience that changed me the most. Getting to grow closer to my classmates and to God during the retreat was certainly the Fenwick experience that I am most thankful for.