John Augustyn, a member of Benet’s class of 2025, made the most of his Benet education and has continued to prosper since. While at Benet, John tried to participate in as much as he could, to both develop crucial skills and gain valuable relationships. John was an integral part of the Benet Herald for all four years of his Benet education, starting off as a prolific writer (he wrote the most-viewed online article in the Herald’s history) and ending as Editor-in-Chief. He also helped guide Benet’s Scholastic Bowl Team to its first IHSA Regional Championship, four berths in Nationals, and a ranking in the top one-hundred teams in the nation. John himself was on the All-State Team all four years. John made a profound impact on Benet through his role as the inaugural Director of Scholar Enrichment for Benet Scholars, helping shape the program into what it is today. Furthermore, John rejuvenated the You’ve Been Elfed competition and established Nightmare on Maple Street, which has been a smash hit since its founding. Finally, John lent his expertise to a wide variety of additional Benet organizations, notably L.I.F.T (he was an inaugural board member), Model UN (through which he gained several accolades), the Math Team, the German Club, and the Wharton Investment Team.

John is grateful for the many Benet courses that allowed him to grow intellectually. His four years of German with Frau Sterner enabled him to pursue German in college, primarily through a study abroad program in Berlin this past summer. He took the legendary America Since 1945 class with Mr. Doyle and appreciates the unique, thought-provoking experience that this course provided. John also greatly enjoyed the classes of Mr. Veselik, Mr. Bremner, Ms. White, and Mr. Russ. However, the class John sees as most important is not listed in the Benet curriculum guide. Study hall was invaluable to John because it allowed him to not only more closely engage with his studies, but also tutor at the Redwing Academic Center, where he met two of his closest friends. Without his time spent at the RAC, John is certain he would not have gained as much as he desired from his Benet education.

John’s Benet experience went far beyond academics and clubs. Retreats such as Lenses and Logos were insightful and allowed him to relax and experience God’s wonder while surrounded by his friends and classmates. John also participated in Froshfest all four years, first as a student and then as a volunteer. He sees this sneak peak into a Benet education as a fun, helpful tradition. John was in attendance when the men’s basketball team won the IHSA State Championship, and he felt great joy in seeing his friends overcome challenges and achieve victory. John treasured staying connected in ways such as these, and the dedication and brilliance of Benet students greatly inspired him.

John’s lifelong passion for problem solving and challenging his mind was only furthered at Benet. Now a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, John is majoring in both mechanical engineering and applied mathematics and participating in the Glynn Family Honors program, through which he has met many interesting people. As part of his mechanical engineering major, John is taking a fabrication class this semester. The class entails working with all kinds of machinery so that one can understand mechanics better and generate new ideas. As one of only two sophomores taking this course, John feels blessed to have the opportunity.

John can be found all across Notre Dame’s campus participating in a variety of activities. Last school year, John served as president of the Class of 2029, becoming the first engineering major in school history to serve as freshman class president. As president, he greatly increased participation in school activities and raised nearly $40,000 in additional revenue. He also served his classmates as the youngest member of the Student Senate. Today, John helps organize activities for his fellow residents of Baumer Hall. He also serves as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (as he did at Benet), a leader within several branches of Student Government, an engineer in the Baja SAE racing competition, a member of the Quizbowl team, and a prominent member of the Engineering Leadership Council. Amidst the frenzy that college can sometimes be, John makes sure to relax by reading the news, listening to music, watching movies, and following college football.

John looks back at his Benet education as a wonderful four years that greatly prepared him for the future. He sees many parallels between the driven, academic Notre Dame student body and the Benet student body. Benet also laid the groundwork for him to work smarter, not harder through his life. John cherishes three lessons that Benet taught him. First, challenges may sometimes cause one’s ultimate goal to become unachievable. In these cases, self-direction and self-advocation are key and lead to a more fruitful future. Second, outcomes are not proportional to work, and sometimes the hardest worker will not come out ahead. Persevering in these situations matters most. Third, we must focus on the totality of life. Paul Morphy, the first American chess champion, said, “The ability to play chess is the sign of a gentleman. The ability to play chess well is the sign of a wasted life.” Though our skills are valuable, one singular ability is not what matters in the long run.

Now wiser than when he first stepped foot on Benet’s campus, John would remind those beginning their Benet education to emphasize patience. Not everything falls in place immediately. Staying optimistic and not giving up is what allows one to flourish.