SXU Alumna Publishes Essay
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Mina Baniewicz '23 recently had her essay, "The Art of the Fragmented Narrative in Margaret Atwood's 'The Blind Assassin'" published in the journal Margaret Atwood Studies and was selected to receive the "Best Undergraduate Essay Award." Baniewicz's essay was chosen out of many submissions. Her essay was published in Volume 18, which was released in February 2025.
Baniewicz's essay centers on Margaret Atwood's 2000 novel, "The Blind Assasin." The novel, which unites historical and psychological genres, follows the story of a woman named Iris Chase, who is chronicling her life to set the narrative straight from her perspective. Baniewicz's essay analyzes how Iris defines the typical attributes characteristic of a biography through her creative blurring of truth and narrative. Baniewicz argues that Iris's genre-bending form of writing is purposeful in that it functions as a way for her to reclaim her life so that she may die without regret.
"Receiving this award feels incredibly special because it acknowledges my devotion to writing. Furthermore, this piece of writing was the last essay I wrote as an SXU student and as such, it is a celebration of all that I have accomplished during my four years as an English major. I am incredibly inspired to continue writing and developing my craft," said Baniewicz.
Baniewicz has always been captivated by writing, particularly as a space for exploration and development.
"The process of writing itself functions as a sort of puzzle, where each step in advancing an idea or argument slowly begins to complete the picture. From the idea stage to the execution of it, writing feels liberating because it is the medium where I can share a piece of my own outlook," said Baniewicz.
Baniewicz was dawn to study English for several reasons, including the intellectual rigor embodied in the field of study and the opportunity to expand her perspective and understanding of the world.
"I appreciated the opportunity to develop fundamental skills such as researching, writing and critical thinking. The diverse array of scholarship in the English major provides students with the opportunity to observe society through a multitude of lenses, crafting a deep understanding of rhetoric, history, and more," said Baniewicz.
During her senior year, Baniewicz received SXU's Outstanding English Major Award, given to a graduating English major for outstanding achievement.
"It was incredibly humbling to learn that my selection was unanimous by the Language and Literature faculty. Both Drs. Bonadonna and Tegan wrote commentary on why they chose to recommend me for this honor, highlighting their respect for my dedication to sophisticated textual analysis in my writing as well as my insightful classroom participation. It was very heartwarming and validating to hear these words at the award ceremony," said Baniewicz.
Baniewicz appreciated the mentorship from her professors as well as the small class sizes at SXU, which created a more personable environment for her to closely engage with professors and peers.
"The education I received from SXU has positively shaped me academically and personally. Through the courses I took, I grew as a writer, researcher and communicator. My senior seminar course with Dr. Bonadonna was immensely transformative as I learned how to develop a rich and sound argument. His guidance has provided me with a confidence that I am very grateful for," said Baniewicz.
While at SXU, Baniewicz was involved in both athletic and academic activities. A two-sport athlete, she ran for both the cross country and the track and field teams, and she was also a writing consultant at the Center for Learning and Student Support. She looks back on her time at SXU fondly.
"My favorite memories from my time at SXU occurred inside and outside the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed each English class I took, especially with Drs. Bonadonna and Tegan. The class discussions and lectures from the courses I enrolled in with them were always engaging and exciting. Additionally, the spring formal was always a highlight of the school year for me," said Baniewicz.
Baniewicz is currently a first-year law student at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. As a first-generation college and law student, she feels incredibly blessed to attend her dream law school.
"I will be the first lawyer in my family, an honor and accomplishment I do not take lightly. I am very proud to represent my Greek heritage in a space that is foreign to my family," said Baniewicz.
After graduating from law school, Baniewicz intends to practice intellectual property law, copyright and trademark law specifically, which interests her because it blends together her passion for creation and fascination with the law. She also plans to continue fostering her writing as she aspires to publish more academic and creative work.