Alex Host ‘23
Not many kids grow up with aspirations as specific as wanting to become a pediatric gastroenterologist.
But a deeply personal reason lies behind Saint John’s University sophomore Alex Host’s future ambitions.
The Brainerd (Minnesota) High School graduate began experiencing concerning intestinal issues when he was still young – issues that required numerous doctor visits and a number of treatments at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“Through my years of procedures and interactions with doctors and physicians, I really came to the conclusion that this is what I wanted to do,” he said. “I really wanted to give back to the facilities that cared for me so much.
“And it wasn’t just me. When I’d walk through (the hospital) to get the care I was receiving, I’d look and see all the other children who were definitely hurting so much more than I was and in need of that care.”
At Saint John’s, Host found a community that fosters those notions of giving back and looking outside one’s self.
“Whether it’s just the connection with your next-door neighbor here or the professors or with your classes as a whole,” he said. “It’s the community feel that Saint John’s creates at all different levels of engagement.”
The biology (pre-med track) major’s own engagement has come through his involvement with the Bonner Leader Program on campus. It’s part of the Bonner Foundation – a national organization started with the vision of giving college students the resources and means to serve in their communities.
Host was directed toward the program by his SJU admissions representative, and his involvement led to his work with the College of Saint Benedict Community Kitchen – for which he currently serves as operations manager.
The group is dedicated to serving those facing food insecurity in St. Joseph (Minnesota) and other surrounding rural communities.
“As operations manager, I work closely with the Gorecki (Center) kitchen staff to prepare and plan hundreds of meals, and oftentimes I have an opportunity to go and make the deliveries as well,” he said.
Those who have worked with him say his enthusiasm for helping others is obvious.
“Alex is incredibly eager to learn, grow and have experiences that help him engage with the world,” said Adia Zeman Theis, the assistant director of experience and professional development (XPD) at CSB/SJU. “His enthusiasm for his work almost bubbles over as he talks about the people with whom he has met and connected. He is so dedicated as a student and as a Bonner and member of Community Kitchen. He makes our programs and our campus a better place.
“I knew the first time I met Alex that his heart was set on being a Johnnie and that he would do whatever it took to make that possible. His hard work and commitment to caring for others are evident in everything he does.”
Host remembers especially an occasion last year when Community Kitchen served a meal at St. Boniface Church in Cold Spring (Minnesota), a gathering that drew well over 100 members of the congregation.
“What was probably my most memorable moment from that was the opportunity I had to have a discussion with an elderly fellow,” he recalled. “He seemed thrilled to have somebody to talk to. He really enjoyed the meal and just having a discussion.
“I’ve been asked what I get out of Community Kitchen and the work I do. And really, I think it just comes down to that I have an excellent opportunity to not only fill stomachs, but also fill an occasional heart.
“And that’s extremely fulfilling.”
But that encounter may not have occurred if scholarships had not made the Saint John’s experience possible.
Host receives the Agee Family and Eldon Siehl Memorial Scholarships, and Trustee’s and Bonner Scholarships as well.
“I worked hard through high school to do well academically in hopes of receiving quality scholarship offers,” he said. “But when it came down to it, no offer was as impressive as (the one from) Saint John’s. Quite frankly, it outmatched all the other schools.
“I give the very fact of the scholarships a lot of credit for me coming here, and I’m sure a lot of other students do too. Because it might not have been possible without that additional assistance.”