Discovering Unexpected Opportunities

Before heading off to college, Chris Koretski was already a volunteer firefighter in his native Rhode Island. When he heard about the Fire Science program at Anna Maria, he decided it was well worth a look.

“I felt right at home when I arrived on campus and as I walked around meeting everyone.”

Already a lieutenant for his town fire department, Chris was quick to take advantage of Anna Maria’s partnership with the Paxton Fire Department, where he serves as an active firefighter during the school year. For Chris, the opportunity to combine classroom skills with real-world experience has been invaluable.

Chris’ strong interest in service led him to leadership roles on campus, collaborating with others to host a number of campus-wide professional events, as well as a week-long series of events to raise awareness for the plight of the homeless.

Getting involved with Campus Ministry has provided Chris with a broader perspective on service and brought him out into the community. At the encouragement of Campus Deacon and Admissions staff member Jack Franchi, Chris also joined the First Friday Club in Worcester, a social organization for Catholic men from all walks of life that provides a unique networking opportunity that he would not have found on his own.

“The extra parts you don’t get at other institutions are the close community connections and bridges that you can build with professors and other students. Anna Maria has opened my eyes to a lot of things and gotten me involved in opportunities I wouldn’t have thought of, both on and off campus.”