Where Are They Now? Alumni Highlight: Christopher Jurewitsch
Let’s catch up with Christopher Jurewitsch! Christopher first participated as a youth in CCMI’s Summer Youth Corps program in 2015 and then returned in 2017 to serve in the Conservation Apprentice Program, placed with Traverse County SWCD. He now works for Saint Paul Public Housing.
What kind of work did you do when you were in the Corps?
I did a variety of work throughout the county. My primary role was to help map out tracts of land with a GPS device to help landowners comply with the new stream buffer strip law enacted at the time. I also spent some time planting, maintaining and watering trees that were funded by a grant the county had earned, and also helped the local NRCS office with their inspections as well.
What did you do immediately after your term with the Corps?
Graduate college, worked a few years in GIS, served another year and a half in another AmeriCorps program, then worked several other jobs before getting my current position.
Where are you now?
I’m a Maintenance Technician for Saint Paul Public Housing
What kind of work do you do?
I mostly do grounds/janitorial work along with minor repairs for single and multifamily housing. I studied Geography in college and had a career in GIS before making a career change.
Were there any particularly memorable or challenging experiences during your time in the Corps?
Living in a small town (and the least populated county in the state for that matter) was challenging. This was the first time I was truly living on my own, so getting adjusted to this along with the new job was difficult at times. Driving an hour to get to the nearest city with a Walmart was one thing I looked forward to.
What was the most personally meaningful part of your experience with Conservation Corps?
Getting to see the trees I planted and watered years later still standing strong, along with the strong connections I made with my fellow members.
How did the experience shape your career/life?
It definitely made me grow professionally and reshaped how I viewed rural living over my urban upbringing.
How did you use your education award?
I was in-between school years when I served, so I immediately used it towards tuition.
What advice would you give to current members?
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, even if seems inconvenient. Also take advantage of all of the resources you have, it’s there for you to use and it will ultimately help you.
Any final words you’d like to share?
Please advocate for the Conservation Corps and other AmeriCorps programs.
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