The Return to Saint David ’ s Leads to a New Beginning
A
proud member of the Class of 2012 , Andrew Hahn is a multi-dimensional talent . This spring , Strategic Communications Specialist , Peter Martin sat down with him to discuss how his newly-found passion for teaching has helped springboard his career at Saint David ’ s , after having graduated from Carnegie Mellon in December 2020 .
Let ’ s rewind the clock nearly 20 years and go back to where it all began . Tell us a bit about what you recall from your earliest years at Saint David ’ s – and ultimately , why do you think your parents chose Saint David ’ s ?
At the time , the entry point program was known as “ 4s and 5s ,” as opposed to “ Pre-K ” and was housed in what is now Brick ( Presbyterian ) Church on East 92nd Street . My parents were looking predominantly at All-Boys schools such as St . Bernard ’ s and Buckley . Their mindset was that in order to make such an important decision ( selecting a private school for their child ), it would have to be the place that would put me in the best position to succeed . They felt that Saint David ’ s was where they would get the best version of myself – and likewise , where I would be able to give back as well .
Saint David ’ s alums have a common link of nostalgia . They love the school , and they love revisiting old memories together , of teachers and classes . When you think about your years as a student , was there a particular teacher that left a lasting impression on you ?
“ Doctora ” ( Dr . Gilbert ), without a doubt . I was also fortunate to have her as my Eighth Grade advisor . What the students say is true – she ’ s a tough teacher , but to be frank , if I hadn ’ t gone through her classes , I wouldn ’ t have been as prepared for the tougher challenges that I had in high school and college . She always encouraged us to practice good habits , and taught us that we were accountable for our actions – even at the age of 13 . If we didn ’ t give our best efforts , the results would show it , and we found that this was particularly true in her class . What I remember most is that she was always available and ready to help outside of class — but it would be on you ( the student ) to seek it out . A true sense of responsibility was ingrained . When you ’ re in Eighth Grade , those are the lessons that you carry with you for all that is to come . I consider myself lucky to have had her for three consecutive years ( Sixth Grade through graduation ), having that continuity was very important for my growth .
In terms of classes , all of the theater and musical performances stick out to me . I was a pianist , and I have very fond Saint David ’ s memories of being taught by my mother when I was in First Grade . I played in every recital through the years , and I always looked forward to the joint performances with Marymount , as well as the Switch concerts . From a young age , I had an interest in the cello , but as I evolved as a musician , I found that the bells always held a special place to me because of the impeccable timing that is required to execute it properly . In fact , I will make a connection : having had good practice in those performances directly improved my growth in other areas of interests as well . For example , I find that music and sports are directly correlated – they all require timing , hand-eye coordination , and discipline … Even right now as I think about past productions , I can picture our Fifth Grade play ‘ Pirates of Penzance ’ as if it were just a few years ago … It all has a lasting impact and leaves an impression .
Do you find that your friends and classmates have a similar fond recollection of their Saint David ’ s experience ?
To this day , it is true — I still reminisce with classmates and friends about those shared memories . Even for those who may not live in the region , they are always curious about how the school is thriving and I find that my feedback is often the same : In terms of core values , mission , and the theme of respect , it ’ s all forever the same . The more things change around us , the more they stay the same , and that is very reassuring to the community .
Continuity and holding a strong sense of the history is so important to Saint David ’ s . Balancing tradition and innovation is the sweet spot as we continue to navigate unprecedented growth . Given that you ’ ve been able to see the evolution of the school through multiple lenses as a student , alum , and now staff member , how has the school changed ?
One really wonderful way that the school has evolved is the teacher-student relationship . The mutual sense of empathy within dialogue is evident ; the need to want to understand where the boy is coming from is always at the crux . I often ask myself : What can I do as a mentor and as a teacher to help you ( the student ) reach new heights . We see an increased personalization , more timely feedback , and so in this way , Saint David ’ s has evolved very successfully . Learning services has also been an incredible resource of help and understanding , one which didn ’ t necessarily exist just over a decade ago . I appreciate that aspect of where we are now .
Following your graduation at Saint David ’ s ( 2012 ), tell us a bit about your academic , musical , and athletic journey through high school , college , and back to Saint David ’ s , nearly a decade later .
After 10 years at Saint David ’ s , I enjoyed four ( years ) at Columbia Prep , and then attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh , PA . I received my MA in Music
34 • Saint David ’ s Magazine