Global Connections: Where Are They Now? e spirit of Aquinas lives far beyond Dewey Avenue. In this feature, we reconnect with four Aquinas graduates who once traveled from across the world to Rochester and are now making their mark internationally. SOUTH KOREA: HEESU YU ’17 NEW YORK CITY, NY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST AQ ORIGINS & CONNECTION Heesu rst discovered Aquinas through a study-abroad agency in Seoul, Korea. Drawn by the school’s size, wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, and the welcoming atmosphere, she found a place where she could thrive creatively and academically. “The friends I met at AQ honestly became like family,” Heesu re ects. She credits music teacher Mr. Je Wilson and French teacher Ms. Jennifer Rybak with inspiring her to explore new avenues and embrace challenges. Exchange programs, performances, and leadership opportunities allowed Heesu to immerse herself fully in the AQ community, balancing academics, music, and athletics. LIFE AFTER AQUINAS After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, Heesu moved to NYC and now works as a full-time independent artist, singer-songwriter, producer, and creative director under the professional name HEESU*. She leads projects across music, fashion, and visual arts, crediting AQ for cultivating both her creativity and discipline. Heesu notes, “Being involved in choir, musical theater, dance, sports, and other activities taught me skills I use every day as an artist.” Her ability to navigate multiple projects and collaborate e ectively stems directly from the experiences and habits she formed at Aquinas. *You can nd HEESU’s music on all major streaming platforms or by visiting: www.heesu.biz. CULTURE, FAITH, AND PERSPECTIVE At Aquinas, Heesu found a rhythm that balanced academics with a rich array of extracurriculars — from choir and musical theater to dance and sports. “I learned how to manage my time, stay committed, and follow through. These skills I still use every day as an artist now,” she re ects. She also discovered that service takes many forms. “It can be as simple as helping friends navigate a new city or collaborating creatively with others. Giving back strengthens the communities we are part of.” For Heesu, the lessons of discipline, collaboration, and care for others instilled at Aquinas became the foundation not just of her artistry, but also of the way she navigates life. HIDDEN STORY “After winning the AQ talent show, a quiet but powerful moment occurred: Mr. Ted Mancini ’88, P’26 came up to me and said, ‘You did amazing. You’re something else.’ That moment meant so much to me — it was a quiet, personal recognition that no one else really saw, and it made me feel truly seen.” “I just want to say thank you to everyone at AQ for making my high school experience so memorable. Being part of that community gave me the con dence to pursue my dreams, and I hope current and future students embrace every opportunity, follow their passions, and make the most of their time there. AQ will always be a part of my journey.” CHINA: RUOYANG “HOWARD” YIN ’19 CHICAGO, IL PARALEGAL AQ ORIGINS & CONNECTION Howard chose Aquinas after touring several schools in the U.S. Captivated by the facilities, student population, and school culture, “I knew that Aquinas was the one for my completely new journey of life. I was attracted by Aquinas’ di erent school culture in terms of religion, education, and sports,” he recalls. Being one of the few international students in his class came with challenges but also opportunities for growth. He built friendships while sharing his culture with domestic students and quickly adapted to AQ’s academic and extracurricular life. He appreciates the patience and support of both classmates and teachers, which helped him integrate successfully. LIFE AFTER AQUINAS Howard attended Syracuse University for International Relations, followed by graduate studies at the University of Chicago. He now works as a paralegal in Chicago and plans to apply to law school. Howard credits AQ with teaching him adaptability and initiative: “Spending four years at AQ taught me to adapt quickly and build relationships with people from di erent backgrounds.”Even seemingly small habits — like engagement in sports or participation in school activities — had a lasting impact on his personal and professional development. CULTURE, FAITH, AND PERSPECTIVE Living abroad taught Howard the beauty of diversity and the value of asking questions without hesitation. He shares, “The one term that I can think of, in terms of impression, to describe living in the U.S. is ‘diversity,’ which is what makes this country beautiful and powerful from my perspective.” He believes that Aquinas shaped his understanding of community and belonging. HIDDEN STORY “I still wear my ‘Go Irish Soccer’ shirts quite often and pay attention to AQ sports. It’s a reminder of my roots and the community that welcomed me.” “ e word ‘Home,’ for me, goes beyond my biological family. It’s also wherever I feel a sense of belonging. Aquinas is certainly considered home for me.” alumni events & news 28 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2026
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