Recent Waupun High School graduate, Abel Kooima, is well on his way to becoming a firefighter–a goal he has passionately pursued for more than a year.
During his senior year, Kooima was one of few students selected to participate in an internship opportunity at the Waupun Fire Department, allowing him to spend school hours at the fire department, learning firehouse activities and gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Through guidance from his mentors, Kooima recognized that an EMT license was crucial for a quick hire. Working with his advisors, he enrolled in Moraine Park’s Start College Now EMT program and began attending classes on the College’s Beaver Dam Campus.
Without the Start College Now program, I don’t know where I’d be. It helped me realize that college is for me. I used to think I wouldn’t fit in, but now I love the environment, the culture and the support from everyone. That motivation made all the difference. – Abel Kooima
After earning his high school diploma and EMT license, Kooima plans to continue his pursuit of becoming a firefighter by completing a fire program and attending paramedic school.