Returning Home to Find the Path Forward :
A Reflection with Matthew Davis ’ 06
Running a business by morning , and contributing to Saint David ’ s after school program by afternoon , Matthew Davis ’ 06 found the balance to be fulfilling - with each aspect contributing positively to the other facet . This spring , we sat down with Matthew to discuss his experience within both realms , and how his Saint David ’ s education continues to fuel his professional drive and passion .
Now that I ’ m back on campus , I find that I get these vivid bursts of memories ; I remember sitting down on the carpet and playing with blocks in Mrs . Oates ’ Kindergarten classroom ( currently that of Mr . DeRosa / Ms . Formosa ). Each grade has a distinct visual memory . I remember all my teachers , each adding a crucial memory to my Saint David ’ s experience . Growing up on the Upper East Side , some of my fondest memories have been the simplicity of walking to and from school with my mom and brother ( Robert ’ 04 ). During the Admissions process , I can recall how important the community aspect was to my parents .
Family lunch style is a distinct aspect to the school - it ’ s in these moments that you learn table manners , how to communicate over a meal . Through my years , I have found alums of Saint David ’ s share a common link of nostalgia : they love revisiting old memories together . From Mr . McLellan ’ s history unit on Native Americans to Mr . Ryan ’ s
“ My advice for younger alums who may be finding their own path professionally : Don ’ t be afraid to think outside the box .”
extracurricular “ Hot Stove ” baseball themed groups , these formal - and informal lessons - are the pillars of my childhood . When I met with Dr . O ’ Halloran in the fall , I expressed the desire to return to Saint David ’ s to give back to our Lower School after school program .
Saint David ’ s ’ 06 , Fordham Prep ’ 10 , Fordham University ’ 14 , all three schools encouraged me to look for opportunity . It starts from the ground floor to build a base , strong pillars in business communication , how you communicate and respect people . That started at Saint David ’ s . The Saint David ’ s curriculum has always been the foundation of my education — a pillar to the succession of education that came after . Thereafter , I studied Finance and worked for a wealth management firm as a research analyst , covering credit specifically . With experience within this sector under my belt , I recently took a leap to become my own boss . Seeing an emerging cocktail business model , I identified an opportunity in the marketplace to create my own brand ( Plaid Duck Beverages LLC ). My advice for younger alums who may be finding their own path professionally : Don ’ t be afraid to think outside of the box . Whatever your interest and field may be , entrepreneurship is an option . I was taught to think critically because of Saint David ’ s — it set me up with a versatile range of knowledge to learn from . My day-to-day involvement with Saint David ’ s after school program aligns perfectly with my work schedule for Plaid Duck . During the week , the 2:00 afternoon start enables me to immerse myself on the entrepreneur side in the morning . I couldn ’ t ask for a more balanced situation . •
30 • Saint David ’ s Magazine