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Profile
of Jeanette Tuttle-Hamer, Intern, National Kidney Foundation, 8/05
Photo and Story by Sarah Kotzman
PPW/Writing Center Publicity Intern
 Before
graduating from Pitt with a Humanities degree in Communications
and English Writing, Jeanette Tuttle-Hamer completed an internship
with the National Kidney Foundation of Western PA (NKFWP). After
attending the Community College of Allegheny County for a certificate
in nonprofit development, Jeanette was offered a grant-writing position
at NKFWP by an instructor. Jeanette seized the opportunity, managing
to fit in the internship with 18 credits of school, work, and a
family. Having also attended both Slippery Rock University and Robert
Morris University, Jeanette was used to the busy life.
Within her internship, Jeanette worked on the Kidney Early Evaluation
Program (KEEP), a project that offers free testing for patients
with a high risk for kidney disease and works to slow the disease’s
progression. “Within three weeks I realized it wasn’t
going at all like I expected,” Jeanette reports. “Everything
was a surprise… I was totally on my own.” Much of her
time was spent researching and writing, and she was even encouraged
to work from home. In order to work within some structure and interact
with others, Jeanette voluntarily attended grant writing courses
offered by the Foundation Center. Though surprised by the lack of
interaction with staff at her site, Jeanette went on to write the
narrative portions of the KEEP grant that was sent to the State.
“The worst moment was the realization that I was on my own.
The best moment was taking that realization and making the decision
to function as an independent. I learned a great deal by teaching
myself and seeking out other means of learning how to accomplish
the goal.” Through her experience, Jeanette now feels completely
confident in her ability to create a grant proposal. Her CEO was
duly pleased and provided Jeanette with an excellent evaluation.
Currently, Jeanette continues her search for the perfect job to
balance with her family life: she hopes to obtain a writing career
that will aid the lives of others, either through grant, instructional,
or analytical writing. In her spare time, Jeanette actively gardens
and cares for three demanding parrots. She also tours with several
bicycle and sea-kayaking groups. “My life goal is to always
be active, to always be conscious of the world around me, and extend
a hand when possible.” Considering her past and current records,
Jeanette is well on her way.
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