MARK CARR

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2023 New Britain High School

Scholarship Winner
ADRIANA GUTOWSKA

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Although I am uncertain as to which field I would like to go into as my permanent career, I have made various efforts to find the path that would be right for me. One career I have looked into extensively is firefighting, especially once I became a volunteer firefighter.

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When I was looking for volunteer hours for school, I was able to find a sign asking for Newington Volunteer Fire Department candidates. I walked into the firehouse, got an application, and a few weeks later I was accepted as a cadet.

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Throughout my time at the NFD, I got to experience a variety of different situations I would not normally find myself in. I got to learn how to dress hydrants, set up ladders, check SCBAs, and go up in the ladder truck bucket. When I turned 18, I became a probationary firefighter, and was able to attend all types of calls (excluding HAZMAT calls). Through this, I was not only able to help the community, but also learn more about how to help others and behave in a professional way. The people I helped were able to find a little joy on their days that were filled with stress and anxiety, and it is always worth it to see people successfully being helped and having their day brightened. I also developed perseverance and grit, for before I got a car I would speed away on my bike to get to the fire station and engine on time for calls.

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While I am uncertain if l will take up firefighting in the future, this scholarship would help me by allowing me to attend college and figure out what I would like to do in the future. I strive to keep an open mind regarding my future, for I want to continue seeking what I would like to do until I find the thing that I know is right for me. 

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In the future, I desire to open a jiu-jitsu gym. I have done jiu-jitsu for years, and before getting a job, I would be at the gym for hours, attending all 3 classes offered during the day. This equated to over 5 hours of jiu-jitsu training per day. The immense amount of training I did during that time heightened my cardio and strength, which in turn allowed me to be a better firefighter, for I was able to more easily handle-equipment and move around with it. The training also allowed me to learn the benefits hard work can bring, and develop my mental strength. Jiu-jitsu can be a difficult sport, and I feel that my training has allowed me to develop better patience, humility and the ability to critically think.

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I plan to use all of the skills I have learned through my experiences - be it volunteering or training to keep developing myself into a more well-rounded individual. Though I am unsure of what my future holds, I aim to walk with my head high and eyes open, and keep seeking the best future for myself and those around me.

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