Ben O'Brien ('09)

It has been three years since I left the Academy, and I still look back to those days with great fondness.  It was during my time at OLSWA that I felt the call to become a firefighter.  Some of the professors may still shudder at the memory of my pager going off in class—I suppose volunteer firefighting in Barry's Bay and third-year studies at OLSWA occasionally came into conflict.  From there the path led me to Redeemer University College, where I got a B.A., and finally, in 2010, I realized my dream of going to fire college.  The Algonquin College Firefighter Program was an amazing experience.  I formed close friendships, learned new skills, and had the privilege of serving as Class President.  I was also very honoured to receive the Ottawa Fire Services Award for academic achievement.  Now, as a firefighter graduate, I look forward to employment in the Fire Service, where I hope to make the Academy proud.

I am very grateful for my three years at OLSWA.  Even though the Liberal Arts do not directly relate to firefighting, the intellectual formation I received at the Academy has been very helpful.  OLSWA gave me good thinking, writing and decision-making skills.  More importantly, the spiritual formation I received has been a continual source of strength.

I am deeply proud to represent Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy in the Fire Service.  I am excited to bring the principles I learned at the Academy to this challenging and rewarding career.  When I respond to an emergency, I hope to bring Christ to those who are at their lowest and also to my co-workers who may never have heard of Him.

Thank you, OLSWA!

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