BSC alum Nathan Kurtti – prepared for every stage of life | Bismarck State College

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BSC alum Nathan Kurtti – prepared for every stage of life

Published: Jul 25 2018
It may be surprising to find out that BSC Foundation Theatre Scholarship recipient and NDSU’s December 2016 commencement speaker Nathan Kurtti didn’t always have a way with words. He worked hard to become who he is today – an English teacher at Sheyenne High School in West Fargo.

Kurtti was born with a speech impediment that required surgery and speech therapy. “I was very insecure about not being able to speak well. Having a small role (in community theater), helped me dip my toes in the water and practice speaking.” Now, he’s grateful that he’s able to model a good work ethic for the students in his classroom. “It helps make me see the full circle of everything. I know where I started and how I had to work to get here.”

He worked to become a better speaker by joining competitive speech in high school and participating in Sakakawea South Shore Community Theatre, a summer production company in his hometown of Hazen. “It got me out of my comfort zone and helped me be a more confident individual.”

Continue reading this story written for the Summer 2018 issue of BSC Magazine.