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Meet Chris: HACC Student Saving Lives

Meet Chris: HACC Student Saving Lives


“As I traveled and served my people I found out that most of them lack in the access to medical treatment, so my heart has always been to serve those in need.” 


Chris Villeda is originally from El Salvador, a country that can have limited access to basic medical resources critical for saving lives. Chris has traveled to different parts of the world and made it his mission to help individuals and families in developing countries. He came to Pennsylvania in 2015 to be part of a nonprofit startup project for families living in poverty.

Chris said that he has always been interested in medicine, so while in the U.S., he began researching how to become a paramedic. He learned about HACC’s Emergency Medical Technician Program and heard from people who spoke highly of a HACC education.   

“I felt in my heart this would be a perfect opportunity to learn and to take back a premium education back to those that need it,” he said.

Chris had some fears about overcoming language barriers and getting used to a different culture. “When I came here, I see how they accept me for who I am. The instructors always have time to explain the terminology…it’s like a family here in the U.S. for me.”   

After successfully completing the EMT Program, Chris continued to travel and serve those in need. He returned to HACC in 2017 and is expected to receive his paramedic certificate in the winter of 2018.

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Chris Villeda Portrait