Jeremy Gregorec

I am a “nontraditional” student. I was 36 years old when I decided to go back to school. It has been challenging to maintain good grades, while working a full-time job in construction. However, I have worked very hard and have gotten all A’s and B’s so far. I have consistently been on the Honor Roll and Dean’s List, and I have recently joined the Honor Society. In addition to my academic awards, I completed the Chicago marathon in 2013. This was a huge accomplishment for me and was a great experience. In 2010, I won 3rd place in the NAGA tournament, which is the world’s largest grappling tournament. Even though these awards are not academic, they are evidence of my dedication and hard work. In my job, I have moved up from laborer, to foreman, to superintendent. I put my all into everything that I do.

I am currently a superintendent at a small, family-owned commercial construction company. In the past eight years I have been successful there, but there is not much room left to grow. This is why I decided to go back to school. At Purdue Calumet, I am studying Environmental Health and Safety. After graduating, I hope to find a more challenging and fulfilling career that uses my leadership and communication skills, along with my experience in safety and management. There are so many different avenues I can pursue with an EHS degree, such as safety management, environmental health, risk assessment, and more. I have already been exposed to so many great career opportunities through my classes and networking. I have always been told I am a natural leader. As an EHS professional, I can reach my fullest potential. I have been happily married for four years and hope to start a family soon. My goal is to find a career that I will enjoy but will also allow me to support my wife and family.