Ask a Musketeer: Clare Kennedy (Exploratory, '24)
Jul 8, 2020
Clare Kennedy, an incoming exploratory major from Hingham, Mass., decided to come to Xavier because she was drawn to institutions that value serving others. Why does she have such a deep-rooted feeling of empathy?
She says it all goes back to her birthday: Sept. 11, 2001.
“I was born at Alexandria Hospital in Virginia which was on lockdown as a blood donor site and secondary hospital for patients from the Pentagon attacks,” she says. “I am very lucky to have my parents, who shared their experiences that day with me as I grew up. They told me about watching the news while holding their newborn baby, trying to call family to let them know they were okay and I was on the way. They’ve always said I was a bright light on 9-11.”
And it has given her a unique perspective on life — something that aligns with Xavier’s mission.
“The idea of being for and with others is something I want to further develop within myself,” she says. “Anyone with a 9-11 birthday understands that you walk the line of your own celebration and the mourning of others. This has definitely made me a more empathetic person.”
In her hometown, there is a 9-11 memorial, and every birthday, Clare and her family would visit it, honoring everything — both good and bad — that happened that day, 19 years ago. Today, as our country copes with other extraordinary circumstances, Clare says she’s even more excited about becoming a Musketeer.
“As we enter another unprecedented time I’m so glad I get to be a part of Xavier nation,” she says. “I chose Xavier because it just felt right. I came to campus in August of 2018 and I knew it was where I needed to be and that never changed. Each interaction I have had with Xavier students, faculty, and staff since that visit is so affirming to me that I’ve made the right decision.
“I can’t wait to share my college experience with people who also value serving others,” she says. “All for one!”
By Ryan Clark, Office of Marketing and Communications