Spotlight

Year at UST: Senior
Major: Catholic Studies, Biochemistry
Minor:
Hometown: Williston, ND

Why did you decide to come to UST?

Looking back upon my senior year of high school, I cannot say that I decided to come to St. Thomas as much as I was led here by God. Nothing about St. Thomas, other than its location in the Twin Cities, really jumped out at me. Yet something felt right about it, and I chose to come here. Once here, I discovered a Catholic community and a Catholic Studies Program that were exactly what I needed to begin responding to God’s call.

What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow?

Being selected as an Aquinas fellow is very encouraging to me as I strive to do God’s will. Often it is difficult to know that I am making progress toward this goal when I see myself falling each and every day. I can take others to recognize the action of God’s grace in my life and being selected as an Aquinas Fellow is, to me, some confirmation of that.

What has been your most valuable experience so far at St. Thomas?

It does not always feel this way, but I have no doubt that the most valuable experience at St. Thomas has been daily Mass. I am able to begin each day by uniting myself with the Lord, body and blood, soul and divinity. It is not flashy nor is it a single momentous occasion, but the value of daily Mass is truly inestimable.

How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation?

Being an Aquinas Fellow means that I am being called upon to be a leader in the pursuit of vocation on campus. I cannot lead others in this pursuit of holiness if I am not seeking holiness myself. Knowing that I am an Aquinas Fellow is constant motivation to pursue my vocation so that I can effectively aid others in conforming to God’s will.

What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation?

Remember that God is a loving father. If you let Him, He will take care of you. But if you have anything in your life keeping you from loving God with all your heart, mind, and strength, you will never be able to discern your vocation. This call to love is universal. It is everyone’s primary vocation. So seek this before all other things! If you are loving God and desire to do His will, then have no fear for He will make abundantly clear what He is calling you to.

Aquinas Fellowship Recipients
VIEW OTHER SPOTLIGHTS	Henry (Hank) Kemp Aquinas Fellow
	Year at UST: Senior Major: Catholic Studies, Biochemistry Minor: Hometown: Williston, ND Why did you decide to come to UST? Looking back upon my senior year of high school, I cannot say that I decided to come to St. Thomas as much as I was led here by God. Nothing about St. Thomas, other than its location in the Twin Cities, really jumped out at me. Yet something felt right about it, and I chose to come here. Once here, I discovered a Catholic community and a Catholic Studies Program that were exactly what I needed to begin responding to God’s call. What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow? Being selected as an Aquinas fellow is very encouraging to me as I strive to do God’s will. Often it is difficult to know that I am making progress toward this goal when I see myself falling each and every day. I can take others to recognize the action of God’s grace in my life and being selected as an Aquinas Fellow is, to me, some confirmation of that. What has been your most valuable experience so far at St. Thomas? It does not always feel this way, but I have no doubt that the most valuable experience at St. Thomas has been daily Mass. I am able to begin each day by uniting myself with the Lord, body and blood, soul and divinity. It is not flashy nor is it a single momentous occasion, but the value of daily Mass is truly inestimable. How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation? Being an Aquinas Fellow means that I am being called upon to be a leader in the pursuit of vocation on campus. I cannot lead others in this pursuit of holiness if I am not seeking holiness myself. Knowing that I am an Aquinas Fellow is constant motivation to pursue my vocation so that I can effectively aid others in conforming to God’s will. What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation? Remember that God is a loving father. If you let Him, He will take care of you. But if you have anything in your life keeping you from loving God with all your heart, mind, and strength, you will never be able to discern your vocation. This call to love is universal. It is everyone’s primary vocation. So seek this before all other things! If you are loving God and desire to do His will, then have no fear for He will make abundantly clear what He is calling you to.