An Email from Head of Junior Service Projects John Hawkey ‘96 went out to all seniors about an opportunity to help out an alumni. All that it entailed was hanging out with alumni Mark McNulty ‘82’s son a couple of times a week. Having nothing better to do on Mondays and Tuesdays, one senior took a shot on it. And from that, an unlikely friendship was born.
Senior Alex Renschen spends his Mondays and Tuesdays after school hanging out with 24-year-old John McNulty who has autism. Renschen has been open to many service opportunities at De Smet in the past, taking a trip to the border this year and stepping up for things like the Great Ignatian Challenge.
“Whenever we needed help [with the Great Ignatian Challenge], he was always willing to say yes,” said Assistant Director of Student Activities Kennedy Phillips. “It took a lot of stress off of my plate, and it just showed maturity and the fact that he was ready to take on that responsibility.”
On Mondays and Tuesdays, Renschen picks McNulty up from his house at around 3:30 and takes him to get active. Sometimes they will play golf, spend time at the park, or even go lift at the gym. Afterward, the pair gets food, their favorite being Crazy Bowls and Wraps. If they have extra time, they’ll drive around listening to their favorite music, one of John’s favorite things to do.
“He loves music,” Renschen said. “My goal is just to have fun, and enjoy it, while also keeping him healthy and fit.”
Renschen struggled to connect with McNulty in the first couple of weeks he hung out with him. He wasn’t used to his mannerisms and didn’t understand him.
“It was awkward at first, like if I asked him a question sometimes he wouldn’t respond,” Renschen said. “I used to be like, okay, I’m freaking out now. But then I just realized that’s kind of part of him.”
After the first few meetings, the two began looking forward to each time they would hang out. McNulty started getting ready sooner, waiting for Renschen to show up so they could hang out and talk.
“He’ll talk to me about the concerns of his mind, like his basement. His basement got flooded and he loves talking about that,” Renschen said. “It’s much more fluent now, and it’s great. He’s a good guy. He’s funny.”
The relationship between Renschen and McNulty has grown as they continue to hang out more, but Renschen’s relationship with McNulty’s family has grown each week as well. Renschen had never met the family before and met them the first time he met McNulty. In getting close to them, his relationship with McNulty grew, and the love and care he had for him as well.
“His family is loving, beyond loving. I was introduced by his mom, and his mom was telling me all this stuff and it made me realize how important John is. We’re just friends now,” Renschen said. “It’s incredible. He is a loving guy. I really enjoy John and want the best for him.”