Ethan Fragoso’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to community service. Originally from Lake Station, Indiana, a suburb of Gary, Fragoso has overcome numerous challenges to become a dedicated advocate for underserved communities. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of leadership.
Fragoso’s life took a pivotal turn at the age of 12 when he lost his mother to a drug overdose, and again at 17 when he became a father to his son, Atreus. Reflecting on these significant moments, Fragoso shared, “I’ve been through a lot. Becoming a father in high school pushed me to go to college and better myself for my family.” This life-changing responsibility fueled his determination to pursue higher education and carve out a future not just for himself, but for his family. “I want to pursue a career in public service, helping others and advocating for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said.
Fragoso always had his heart set on attending Indiana University, the only school he applied to. Like many students, Fragoso bounced around majors before settling on public management and leadership. When asked about his decision to join the O’Neill school he said, “I took a course here, and I feel like their values aligned with mine. I knew I wanted to help people and felt like O’Neill was the best place for me.”
Ever since becoming an O’Neill student, Fragoso has taken advantage of everything the school has to offer. Fragoso’s involvement in the NextGen Leadership Program and as President of the Rotaract Club at IU highlights his dedication to leadership and service.
Under his leadership, the Rotaract club has tackled issues like homelessness and mental health through initiatives such as a clothing drive and volunteer work at the Shalom Center in Bloomington.
Fragoso’s participation in the NextGen Leadership Program has been instrumental in shaping his approach to public service. “The NextGen Leadership Program teaches you the different ways to be successful and make others successful,” he said. This experience, coupled with workshops and policy competitions, helped refine his skills in advocacy and policymaking.
Fragoso put these skills to work through an internship in his hometown of Lake Station. Though a formal internship program did not exist, Fragoso contacted city officials and convinced them to let him work as a City Hall intern. Fragoso initiated many impactful projects, coordinated a business development workshop, and set goals on how to strengthen the community.
Fragoso’s unpaid internship was made possible through the Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award, a scholarship from the Volcker Alliance, which encourages students to get involved in public service. The scholarship application was recommended to Fragoso by a mentor, and it gave him the financial support he needed to pursue his goals. Fragoso said, “The scholarship helped me out tremendously, and if it wasn’t for that scholarship, I couldn’t have helped out in the manner that I did.”
Speaking of his hometown, Fragoso said, “Back where I’m from, not many people venture out to go to college or pursue higher education. My main goal before going to college was essentially to get out and find better opportunities. I’ve spent many years away from home and have realized that instead of leaving to find a better life elsewhere, I could go back home and make it a better place for me, my family, and my friends.” Fragoso’s commitment to his hometown has been unwavering and he has dedicated his life to helping underserved communities like his own.
Fragoso’s aspirations extend far beyond his current endeavors. “My big dream is to be President of the United States. I would like to pursue a career in public service and advocacy,” he shares. His motto, “No matter what you go through, you can do anything in life,” encapsulates his resilient spirit and optimistic outlook.
Fragoso’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. His journey from a determined high school student to a community-focused leader is inspiring, reflecting his belief in the power of public service to transform lives and communities.
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