The Alumni Connection – August 2018 – Nate Longfellow

The expectation of excellence Vanguard first put into Nate’s mind is now manifested in his passion for helping others through his work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Nate graduated from Vanguard in 2005 and went on to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He began working in TV News consulting and then moved to a non-profit the next year. He is now a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while working for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Although his work does not ever stop, he loves the “opportunity to help save lives every day.” More than that, though, Nate wants to connect with his patients and their families. Nate looks for chances to really get to know the people with whom he works: “There is one cafeteria on campus that all employees share with the patient’s families. It’s a constant reminder of why we do what we do.” 

Nate credits teachers such as Ms. Johnson for giving him the “expectation of excellence” in the work he does each day. “Fundraising through endurance events -- such as marathons and triathlons -- requires work at all hours of the night and weekends. Vanguard prepared me that the best results come from continual learning, growth, and investment of my time.” 

Even though Nate now calls Tennessee home along with his wife, Shelby, and dogs, Bella and Scout, Vanguard and Waco will always have a place in his heart. From growing up behind Vanguard’s softball field, Nate was always a part of the hustle and bustle of school life. “I remember throwing softballs back over the fence as a kid, and eventually driving to school one I got my license, just so I could park in my Senior spot." 

“Get involved in as large a variety of subjects and extracurricular activities” as possible, Nate tells Vanguard students, because “you never know what will eventually lead to your passion in life.”