Joseph Vitt,
Notre Dame

Degree: B.A. in Political Science

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship was absolutely fundamental to my undergraduate experience. The generosity of the Stamps Foundation allowed me to attend the University of Notre Dame. Specifically, I used my enrichment funds to participate in an immigration seminar that travelled to Tucson, Arizona, my sophomore year. This seminar focused on immigration issues on the U.S.-Mexico border, but it sparked my interest in immigration as a whole. The following summer, I interned for a U.S. Senator and helped to handle immigration matters for her. I also interned with an immigration attorney while at school and I am considering a career in immigration law. None of this would have happened if the Stamps Foundation had not provided me with this opportunity. The Stamps Scholarship has also shaped my undergraduate experience because it has surrounded me with hardworking, smart, and kind individuals who push me to work my hardest.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
One piece of wisdom that I learned while in college is that you do not always need to have everything figured out. It’s good to have a plan, but circumstances often change and you have to be able to adapt with them.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My U.S. Foreign Policy professor, Dan Lindley. He really prompted my interest in political science, especially international affairs. Additionally, he taught me how to become a better writer which has helped throughout my college career, and will continue to help after I graduate.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
My favorite Stamps Scholar memory is the convention a few weeks ago. I had a great time reuniting with friends I had made at the previous convention and made many new friends.

What comes next?
I am taking a gap year and then attending law school. I am hoping to either study immigration law or intellectual property law.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt