The Role of Mentorship at St. John’s Northwestern Academies
CHICAGO PARENT – Jennifer Kales: At St. John’s Northwestern Academies, mentorship of all kinds is an integral part of student life. Mike Fink, the chief student affairs officer, embodies this aspect of the culture at SJNA, serving not just as an administrator but as a guiding force for students.
“Our qualified and dedicated staff are here for our students,” says Fink. “We offer our students a home away from home and we treat them like they are our own children.”
Lessons from the Field:
As a former football coach and athletic director, Fink instills in his students the values of teamwork, resilience and collaboration.
“Athletics teach lifelong skills that you can take to a job or college. When you play a sport, you learn how to deal with people, how to cope when things don’t go your way and you learn self-sacrifice to achieve a goal,” says Fink.
In his more than 30-year career in education, Fink has had the opportunity to mentor many athletes, including Dave Braun, current head football coach at Northwestern University.
“I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn, grow and develop under Coach Fink,” says Braun. “Coach taught me what being a leader is all about. He taught me to love the game of football, the value of hard work and how to persevere. He also taught me the importance of making the right decision when no one is around watching you. Coach would often say, ‘respect everyone and fear no one.’ I can’t thank Coach Fink enough for helping me evolve into the person I am today.”
An SJNA Alum Success Story: Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warrions:
Brandin Podziemski’s journey illustrates the transformative impact of the education and mentorship offered at SJNA. Podziemski experienced incredible success under Fink’s guidance and was a 19th draft pick for the Golden State Warriors in 2023. However, his road to the NBA experienced a few hiccups, and Fink was there to encourage and support him.
“Brandin arrived as a promising athlete with aspirations of playing multiple sports ,” notes Fink, who mentored Podziemski from his first day at the academy.
Podziemski’s perseverance and dedication led to remarkable football achievements despite initial obstacles. For example, he led the conference in interceptions while at SJNA.
Following football, Podziemski found himself on the basketball court. Fink supported him in all areas as he shifted his focus. “Brandin was always asking me for gym time to practice,” he says. “He was a dedicated athlete, top student and exhibited exceptional character.”
Fink believes that SJNA’s commitment to excellence, both academic and personal, is a key to Podziemski’s achievements. “Brandin mentioned the role of St. John’s when he was drafted to the NBA,” says Fink.
A proud SJNA alum, Podziemski recently visited SJNA while in town and worked with the school’s elite basketball team. “Brandin is an example of our goal of student excellence: high achievement, personal character and giving back,” says Fink.
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Founded in 1884, St. John’s Northwestern Academies develops young men and women inspired to become responsible citizens and moral and ethical leaders for the global community. Learn more at sjnacademies.org