Name: Katie Lewis
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
Major: Natural Sciences/Pre-Med
What made you choose pre-med as a major?
For the longest time I was considering being a veterinarian. I grew up on a farm and loved working with animals. Junior year of high school, I shadowed my uncle who is a pediatric surgeon, and I fell in love with the human element of medicine. I love that I will be dedicating my life completely to helping others.
Tell us about your volunteer work!
While at Xavier I have gone weekly to volunteer at Children’s hospital. I work on the hematology/oncology floor, and absolutely love it! It is difficult seeing children that are suffering that terribly, but I am amazed at their ability to overcome their illness even just for a little bit and play with the enthusiasm and creativity expected of any child. Last summer I was a volunteer at Adam’s Camp, a week-long, outdoors camp for people with cognitive disabilities.
What are you involved in at Xavier?
I am in a companion group. I am a part of the Students for Life and the Pre-med Student Association. I played on a few intramural sports teams throughout the year. I go weekly to serve at Evanston Academy through Xavier’s X-Change program, and I just returned from an Alternative Break program in Memphis, Tennessee.
Why did you choose to become Catholic through Xavier?
Ever since attending my Jesuit high school in Aurora, Colorado, I had been considering the catholic faith. One night last semester I was at the 10 PM mass with my roommate and friends, and Rochelle mentioned that Xavier had RCIA classes. I inquired into them and since then I have never looked back. I am very grateful for the experience and the support of the entire 10 PM mass community.
What is it like to hug Father B (as many Xavier students have seen you do in front of the 10:00 pm mass)?
It is very heartwarming, but technically a bit difficult hugging him back because of his vestments.
What’s a fun fact about you?
My dorm room was responsible for the Great Buenger Flood of 2015.