Meet Mylan Hutchins
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, Tennessee, Hutchins came to East Tennessee State University as one of her first steps into what has evolved into a fulfilling journey of self-discovery.
“I came to ETSU because I wanted that experience of getting away from what you’re comfortable with,” said Hutchins. “I didn’t know anyone, and everyone I did know was suddenly several hours away. It was exciting.”
It wasn’t long until Hutchins realized those steps were leaving a blazed trail, and she was heading directly toward what would become her life’s passion.
“Looking back, 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, who always knew she was meant to help others, immediately got to work making the most of the rest of her life – and the lives of others. She says her experiences with Clemmer College and the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences 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. Every time I walk into a class, I know I’m about to greet some of the most wonderful people out there. Words can’t explain how right that feels.”
Formal education is not the only source of growth Hutchins has found while attending ETSU. She is also involved in many extracurricular activities and student organizations, such as – the American Sign Language Honors Society, Silent Bucs, Cru, Expedition Leaders, the Second-Year Transitional Experience Program, Buctainment, Bucs Academy, STRIVE and the BEST Mentor Program.
“Being involved on campus has opened so many doors for me,” said Hutchins. “The people I have met motivate me to give it my all. I truly believe if it weren’t for these groups, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I hope the legacy I leave here at ETSU will be one that can inspire future students the way they have inspired me.”
However, Hutchins says all of this – 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 single-parent 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.
“These scholarships have given me the opportunity to follow my dreams,” said Hutchins. “I wouldn’t be here today without them. There are a lot of people on campus who were in that position, unsure if they could get higher education, until someone out there invested in them.”
“Giving back is incredibly important to me. I’m going to be an ASL therapist. I want to reach out and help the people who need it; that’s what the people who made those scholarships possible did for me. I’m going to give back by being that person for others.”