2020 Council scholarship recipient Joseph “Joe” Tuttle is a freshman at Purdue University. Students were given the option to do classes remotely or in-person, and he chose to attend in-person. He is fully committed to trying new things and meeting new people the paramount college experience.
Hannah: In your application essay, you talked about traveling and living in Brazil. What did you learn about yourself as a result of your experience? How did studying abroad in high school prepare you for college?
Joe: I was always okay with doing everything, and that trip brought that to a whole new level. Through Rotary Youth Exchange – full year, I’m much more willing to go out and talk to people, learn new stuff, that’s a great thing to do in college – that’s how you succeed. I’m a lot less shy after spending a year there.
Hannah: What have you learned about yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Joe: I learned I’m okay being alone by myself, I’m pretty self-sufficient. I’m okay being by myself.
Hannah: What are some things you hope to do in the near future?
Joe: The main thing I’m trying to do currently, (is to research) any study abroad opportunities, I want to go to more countries. This semester I’m applying to go to Jamaica.
Hannah: What is your favorite class this semester? Anything else you’re excited about this year?
Joe: My favorite class this semester is horticulture. I get to spend a lot of time in the greenhouse taking care of and studying plants. I have 17 different plants in my dorm room right now. I also joined the rowing team and I’m enjoying that.
Hannah: What’s your major and what do you hope to do when you graduate?
Joe: I’m studying agricultural education and I hope to be a high school teacher one day. I chose Agricultural Education because I always wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know what I wanted to teach. When I went to Brazil, I got a good look at their agriculture program and I got interested. I have also been a member of 4-H for 14 years.
Hannah: Do you have any advice for others?
Joe: Always ask for help. Everyone is willing to help. No one is going to say, “I can’t help you.”
Joe is one of eight 2020 Council scholarship recipients. To learn more about the Scholarship & Awards program, visit WCBlind.org/Events/Scholarship-and-Awards.
