SXU Senior Receives Sister Mary Dominic Merwick Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Saint Xavier University (SXU) senior Brandon Vazquez has received the Sister Mary Dominic Merwick Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award.
"I am so thankful and profoundly honored. My work, my student teaching, and many of my efforts throughout my life have been accompanied by a sense of doubt about who I am and what I can accomplish, but knowing that I am seen and appreciated by the community in the Education Division and SXU has been incredible," said Vazquez.
Vazquez, who majored in secondary education with a focus in social science, was inspired by his mother to pursue a career in teaching.
"When she was young, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. It was a dream she kept to herself, somewhere deep in her heart, but when I was growing up, it would sometimes slip through in the shape of a story. She would share with me how back home in Mexico, she had the opportunity to tutor those who had difficulty reading and writing. It planted a seed. Her sacrifice, her love, and her care showed me that this is the path I wanted to take. Education is a field that stands on the foundations of self-sacrificial love. Everything we do must be out of compassion and genuine desire to see the students we teach thrive. There has been no better model of this for me than my mom, the woman who consistently has sacrificed her dreams to see me reach mine. My mom is the most wonderful teacher I know, and she's the reason I have walked down this path," said Vazquez.
During his student teaching, Vazquez was driven to be attentive, patient and compassionate with the students he had the privilege to teach and learn with, and he credits SXU for his success.
"This [award] would not have been achieved without the exceptional example set by countless people at SXU. I believe it is crucial for love to dictate every effort we make, word we speak, and moment we live, and that is what I witnessed at SXU. My goals toward academic excellence and career readiness were nourished by wonderful individuals who saw the potential in me. I want to thank Dr. Anthony DeCesare, Dr. Sawsan Jaber, Professor Marianne McGeary, and Karen Soos for the love and wisdom they shared with me, and every moment that helped me grow to become the recipient of this award!" said Vazquez.
Vazquez was very involved during his time at SXU, including leading a Student-Led Bible Study, being a part of Campus Ministry and nourishing his spiritual life, and participating in a cooperative sustainability project focused on providing school supplies to students.
"Every single day I was challenged to become a better version of myself, to try something new, to experiment, and most important of all, to love my students. It was a confirmation to me that regardless of the struggle, regardless of how exhausted or dispirited I felt, I desired nothing more than becoming a teacher," said Vazquez.
Of all the memories Vazquez made during his time at SXU, he cherishes the people he met and friendships he built the most.
"My experience at this University would not be possible without the wonderful people I met throughout my journey. Every course, activity, and gathering were accompanied by the presence of wonderful people who consistently showed kindness and attentiveness to me. I made many friends, built strong relationships with many of my professors and mentors, and even had the opportunity to build friendly bonds with many of the employees in the SXU Diner. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of this larger community, and will forever keep SXU and its small yet wonderful community close to my heart," said Vazquez.
Vazquez is currently applying to teach at schools around the Chicagoland area and looks forward to being in his own classroom soon.
"I am excited for the path ahead and incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to start my journey at SXU."