The trajectory of Kenneth Tucceri’s, A.L.M. ’21, career is nothing like a straight line. But as he recounts it, what emerges is a map that follows his winding path through sometimes surprising turns across the nation and the world, to a goal of making a difference by inspiring others to find their own way.
In his current day job he serves in the Massachusetts Army National Guard as a communications specialist, telling the stories of his fellow “citizen soldiers” — which right now involves their work administering COVID-19 tests in hard-hit areas. He is also pursuing a degree in museum studies at Harvard Extension School as a way to marry all of his training and experience.
“I wanted to use my passion and skills toward my service,” he said. “I didn’t want to just join and serve in a way that I could be proud, but I wanted to really make a difference.”
But this isn’t where the Tewksbury native’s story began, nor where it ends. First came a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, followed by short stints in corporate America and sales.
In 2008, Tucceri quit his job and set out to hike the Appalachian Trail, an experience he credits with defining his career path. He realized that in his life he was looking for more than just a job but a way to give back.
So Tucceri enlisted in the Florida National Guard. It was after transferring from his unit in Florida to one in his home state to attend Harvard Extension School that Tucceri decided to sign up for a two-year stint in the Peace Corps.
And that’s how he ended up teaching English and life skills in Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom inside South Africa. It was a job he was good at and loved.
