Matthew Lenahan does it all and I wouldn’t be surprised if you have seen him on campus with his contagious smile. I am lucky enough to call him a friend and to have gotten to know him a little bit better with this interview!
Hometown: Bridgewater, NJ
Major: Food Marketing with a Communications Studies Minor!
Year: 2018
HC: What are you involved with at SJU?
ML: I am a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, a Hawk Host, involved with a few Campus Ministry events from time to time, a Radio 1851 DJ, and an Appalachian Experience Leader!
HC: What Appalachian sites have you gone to?
ML: -Allegheny Highlands, VA my freshman year.
-Saint Paul, VA sophomore year.
-TBD Junior and Senior Year!
HC: What is your favorite APEX memory?
ML: Creating those connections with the people both in our groups at SJU as well as the community members of our sites. Some conversations I’ve had both in reflection or between work at our service sites have stuck with me in context of everyday occasions.
HC: What should students look forward to on APEX
ML: -Amazing experience to go outside of your comfort zone and see somewhere new you would’ve never expected to travel to.
-Placing yourself in the hands of approximately 30 other amazing individuals.
-Engaging in discussion and reflections to immerse yourself into a better understanding of the people and places you will encounter in life.
-“X it off of your SJU Bucket list” (credit to Greta Shanley)
HC: Where can you be found on campus?
ML: I start every morning in the Merion Atrium doing everything I should’ve done the night before, 3rd Floor Mandeville grinding out busy work, and/or playing on Barbelin Beach trying to get as much Vitamin D as humanly possible
HC: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
ML: Curious, Hyperactive, Imaginative
HC: What is one thing most people do not know about you?
ML: My Brother Sean and I, when my mom would put on the NSync CD in the car, we used to fight over who sang JT or Lance’s parts.
HC: Pet Peeve?
ML: People who lack a sense of urgency in the grocery store. Nothing is worse than trying to weasel your way around a swarm of shopping carts and indecisive shoppers.
HC: One thing you cannot live without?
ML: My Guitar. Whether I feel like playing the same song stuck in my head, or am just feeling a little creative that day, playing music is always an outlet express any positive or negative feelings
HC: Who is your role model and why?
ML: My Grandfather, Rocco Freda. Whether times are good or bad, he’s always able to put a different spin on the situation and make the best of every day.
HC: Best advice you have ever been given?
ML: “Love is about all the changes you make and not just three small words.” Coming from one of my favorite songwriters, Frank Turner. Though it is nice to express a certain feeling you may have to someone or something, that feeling is null unless it is acted upon.
So if you have a passion for something, don’t just say it, show it!
HC: Do you have any advice you wish you could tell your freshman self?
ML: Embrace your insecurities. We all have things we keep hidden, but allowing yourself to be vulnerable can provide a lot of personal insight and growth for yourself and others.
HCXO,
Meg