Hutchins heeds calling of service

For Mylan Hutchins, a human services major with a double minor in special education and American Sign Language (ASL), service is a calling. Originally from Chattanooga, Hutchins came to East Tennessee State University as one of her first steps into what has evolved into a fulfilling journey of self-discovery.

It wasn’t long until Hutchins realized she was heading directly toward what would become her life’s passion.

“When I first came here, I really didn’t know very much about ASL,” said Hutchins. “It was something I grew up with. My mom would sign the alphabet in our home, and I’d taken some ASL courses while being homeschooled. When I discovered that ASL was something ETSU offered, I was immediately drawn in. I fell in love with it. It’s such an incredibly beautiful language, and I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn it.”

Hutchins says her experiences with Clemmer College and the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences, which houses the ASL minor, have changed her forever.

“I used to be incredibly shy,” said Hutchins. “Since working with the students and professors here, I’ve really grown as a person. My communication skills have flourished, and the connections I’ve made with other people have really impacted me for the better.”

Hutchins says her future and succeeding in her desire to be someone who has the ability to assist those in need may not have been possible if not for those who took the initiative to help her first. Coming from a singleparent household, Hutchins says scholarships are what enabled her to come to ETSU. While attending, she has been awarded the Nelle Jessee Scholarship, the ETSU Students of Distinction Award, the TSAA Award, and the Geosciences Scholarship.