Alpha Delta Phi - University of Washington

e Washington Alpha Delt 4 T homas Kanenaga '24 chose the University of Washington for its top-rated informatics program. He also thought the larger school would be a great fit for who he was as a student. The day Thomas was accepted into the informatics program was a great day that got even better when he received his bid for Alpha Delta Phi. The main reason ADPhi was right for him? "Its members weren't afraid to express themselves in the ways that made them unique." As an undergraduate, Thomas served as scholarship chairman and technology chairman, in which he learned that communication and taking in others' ideas is the best way to succeed in future endeavors. THE IMPACT OF ADPHI Alpha Delta Phi has been a transformative experience for Thomas. It has offered him a supportive community that encourages individuality and self-discovery. "It's been a space where I've felt empowered to pursue what truly resonates with me, rather than conforming to external expectations." He has learned to prioritize his happiness, which has enabled him to approach his academics with a more authentic and focused mindset and has allowed him to delve deeper into subjects that intrigue him. Additionally, he has been more inclined to explore hobbies and extracurriculars that bring him joy and fulfillment rather than engaging in activities solely for the sake of others' approval. SHARING PASSIONS In his free time, Thomas likes to get out of the city and into the great outdoors, where he enjoys hunting for waterfowl and big game and fishing for salmon. "It is always fun fileting my catch and sharing it with my fraternity Brothers. It helps that our chef is also quite the accomplished fisherwoman." Thomas not only loves to share his catch with his Brothers, but he also enjoys sharing his hobbies with them and introducing them to his love of the outdoors. One of his favorite memories is when he, Caleb Lowry '24, Ethan Staats '24, and their dads went coho salmon fishing on the Skagit River before the Parent's Weekend football game. The sharing of passions between Thomas and his Brothers has been mutual. His Brothers have expanded his horizons by introducing him to activities and experiences he might not have otherwise encountered. "It's a testament to the wonderful synergy that can arise when individuals come together, each bringing their unique passions to the table, resulting in a shared tapestry of experiences that enrich everyone involved," he shared. AIMING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Majoring in informatics with a focus on data science has been fulfilling for Thomas. "It's been a thrilling journey where I've delved into a diverse array of coding languages and honed my skills in developing applications with the aim of making a positive impact on the world." Over the summer, he worked at West Monroe as a data engineering and analytics intern and has enthusiastically accepted a return offer. He is excited to continue his journey with them in Seattle. "I'm looking forward to applying my knowledge, contributing to innovative projects, and continuing to learn and grow in this ever- evolving field," he said. FINDING BALANCE With a busy schedule between academics, fraternity involvement, and the post- graduation job search, Thomas has found balance by setting priorities, communicating with his Brothers and academic circles to ensure understanding and support, remaining adaptable to adjusting schedules, and allocating time for self-care. While finding a job in the midst of a tech hiring freeze was challenging, it taught Thomas "the importance of resilience and the value of networking in the job search process." Networking was especially important as it helped him explore opportunities beyond traditional job applications, ultimately leading him to his position at West Monroe. You can connect with Thomas at thomas.kanenaga@outlook.com. Thomas, Caleb, Ethan and their dads fishing before the Parent's Weekend football game. FINDING A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK Thomas Kanenaga '24 on Brotherhood and Passion

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