Combining His Interests

Article courtesy of The Honors College.

As John Otto explored the University of Missouri campus and interacted with MU leadership during the Stamps Scholarship interview weekend, he felt an immediate sense of belonging and excitement about the opportunities ahead.

“From the outset, everything was incredibly exciting,” said Otto, who is from Springfield, Missouri. “Being around so many unique and inspiring individuals, I knew I was in the right place. I enjoyed learning about all that Mizzou and the Honors College had to offer.”

For Otto, one of the most important parts of the scholarship was its comprehensive programming.

“The connections and resources that come with the scholarship were very important to me,” Otto said. “It’s a complete program – with opportunities for research, study abroad, networking and more – and all that together was very appealing. Having knowledgeable students, faculty and staff around me is empowering, too.”

When the call came that he was going to be part of the incoming Mizzou Stamps cohort, Otto said he was overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I was in my speech and debate class, which I’ve been a part of for several years,” Otto said. “I saw a call from an unfamiliar number and ran to a book closet to take it. The moment was filled with many emotions. Being surrounded by my friends made it even more special. It was nerve-wracking but incredibly exciting.”

Otto plans to pursue a business administration degree at Mizzou while also exploring his interest in biology, seeking opportunities to combine the two fields.

“I kept going back and forth between science and business, but what’s great about Mizzou is that I’ll be able to pursue both,” Otto said. “Blending science and business excites me. I love that there are so many paths to take and that everyone wants me to succeed.”

Throughout high school, Otto was active in DECA – an organization that prepares students in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. He also had a unique opportunity to travel to Tanzania as part of a high school business immersion program offered through Askinosie Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturer based in Springfield.

“I had a chocolate bar from Askinosie and happened to read the back of the wrapper,” Otto said. “It mentioned their business immersion program, which immediately caught my interest. After applying and being accepted, it was an incredible experience. Over the course of six months, I learned about the entire chocolate-making process, from the ethical impacts of fair trade to the logistics of bean sourcing and shipping. And I got to sample some of the finest chocolate available.”

Part of Otto’s work with Askinosie Chocolate included some research, too. He’s excited to see what research will look like at the collegiate level.

“My time spent researching the impact of heavy metals on cocoa beans has greatly prepared me for this next step,” Otto said. “I’m engaged in exciting conversations, and I look forward to merging science and business. I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities that MU is providing me.”