JOSEPH RETTINGER ’14

Joseph Rettinger, a graduate from the Class of 2014, currently attends Saint Louis University where he studies Economics. Recently, Joseph received an invitation for a prestigious summer internship. As the young alumni spotlight, Joseph gives us insight as to what he’s been up too and how Central Catholic played a role in his collegiate success. Get to know him more in this interview below!

find a lot of interesting trends and stories of why things happen the way they do, and that is why I love what I study. Additionally, it has given me the tools I need to succeed in the career path I want to pursue, which is the biggest reason of all.

What are you involved in at SLU? What words of encouragement do you have for high school students to get them involved?

At Saint Louis University, I’m involved in Economics Club, Active Minds, Labre Ministry to the Homeless, Student Activity Board, Assorted Intramural Sports.

The advice I would give to high school students is the same as what my parents have told me and that is that you get out what you put in. By that I mean when you get to college, you no longer have the same structure and supports that you have had before. It becomes your responsibility to try new things and take yourself out of your comfort zone because that is when you grow as a person. The groups that I have been involved with at SLU have not all been concurrent and that is because I have put myself into positions to try different things. Being involved on your campus, in any fashion, will allow you to meet a lot of people and make new friends.

What have been a few of your greatest accomplishments thus far?

Recently I was selected for a summer internship from a seven state applicant pool to work at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. I will be graduating with Honors this May, and upon graduation I plan to accept a position with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Houston. I am excited for this opportunity, which includes postings in Washington DC and Dallas prior to permanent assignment to Houston. In addition, among my accomplishments at Saint Louis University, I am proud to list multiple Dean’s List appearances and my dodgeball intramural championships.

Why do you think it is important for an alumnus to be active alumni and stay connected to Central Catholic?

I think the fact that Central markets itself as creating “brothers for life” should actually mean something, and not solely be a marketing ploy. If we truly are dedicated to the idea of creating a family, something that separates Central from other area high schools, it is important for the alumni to make a concerted effort to keep those relationships alive. Many of my friends from the Class of 2014 are still active in the Central community because we care about the school and we want the classes that follow us to care as well.

How has receiving an education at Central Catholic impacted your collegiate years?

Central gave me the foundation to succeed going into college. The study habits I picked up there prepared me for how I needed to approach school and continue to be successful here at SLU. The interpersonal skills I developed while at Central gave me the confidence to come out of my shell and make connections here as well. I think that Central does a good job of preparing its students for life after high school, while at the same time ensuring you still can look back on those formative years with fondness; not having been overworked or overstressed.