Jack Bortscheller has used his time at Colorado State University to step outside his comfort zone and in doing so has found his voice and passions. Bortscheller, an outstanding Spring 2024 graduate majoring in nutrition in food science in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, has made the most of his time at CSU to grow as a person. 

Originally from Frankfort, Illinois, Bortscheller was drawn to CSU to be closer to his sister who moved to Longmont, Colorado. CSU also spoke to Bortscheller because he wanted to live somewhere unfamiliar, leading him to make new connections. 

During his time at CSU, Bortscheller immersed himself and soaked up every opportunity that he sought out. His determination not only to succeed in his studies but also to grow as a person led him to be featured as an outstanding graduate.   

Embracing authenticity 

A 2020 high school graduate, Bortscheller’s higher education journey began at a community college in his hometown before transferring to CSU in 2021. His time at CSU has been defined by the connections he’s made and the personal growth he’s experienced. 

“For a long time, I was nervous to be myself, but I learned that life is too short to not be yourself,” said Bortscheller. “During my time at CSU, I made the effort to come out to all my family. After meeting my partner on campus, I wanted to live life as myself. In the span of a year, I came out to my parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents.”  

As things were constantly changing, Bortscheller made it through by trusting the people he is closest to and surrounding himself with people who make him feel like himself.  

Classroom confidence 

Through his academic experience in the nutrition and food science major at CSU, Bortscheller highlighted that his professors have helped him to understand his confidence in the classroom. When he struggled with classes, Bortscheller learned that asking for help and answering questions, even if he was incorrect, was the key to overcoming difficult classes. 

“I learned that I could ask for help when needed as well,” said Bortscheller. “Showing my face and my voice helped me feel more confident in classes as well as getting closer to my professors.” 

“Jack demonstrates notable interest, enthusiasm, and dedication in classes and frequently takes the initiative to engage in conversation and discussion,” said Colleen Burke, an instructor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. “I appreciate this intentional reflection and processing of course material.” 

Outside of the classroom, Bortscheller discovered his passion for baking and cooking through a job at a chocolate shop. Additionally, he has volunteered at FoCo Cafe, served as a student ambassador and worked as a lab technician in clinical research for the FSHN department, and participated in research events such as Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity. All these opportunities have augmented Bortscheller’s learning by allowing him to apply his knowledge learned in lectures to better the community and vice versa by taking skills learned outside the classroom to further his knowledge in nutrition.