Growing in Stewardship
Up until his senior year of high school, Will Cutler never imagined himself attending college. Homeschooled for his entire K-12 education, Cutler’s first time in a formal classroom setting was his first plant science lecture in SB 1606.
Although college was a new and somewhat challenging experience, Cutler approached it with humility, determination, hard work learned from his dad, and a love of learning championed by his mom.
While the academics have challenged him, Cutler finds comfort knowing that growth comes from difficulty. “If a day was not tough, I did not grow or learn," he says. "I did not develop and improve what God has given me. It is the days that are tough that make life worth it.”
Ultimately, says Cutler, it is his faith that sustains him. “On the tough days, I know that God gave His all—the perfect sacrifice.” This faith, first modeled by his parents but now his own, is Cutler’s bedrock and constant motivation to pursue excellence for the glory of God—even beyond academics.
Cutler came to Dordt knowing that he wanted to serve in agriculture. He began as an ag-business major, but after talking with his advisor and reviewing the course list, he switched to Business Administration. Now, Cutler plans to attend law school after graduating from Dordt.
“I want to practice as an ag trusts and estates attorney. I see this as my calling,” says Cutler. “I can use the gifts and talents that God has given me to serve farmers by helping them protect what they and their families have worked so hard to build.”
In addition to his studies, Cutler is part of the Pre-Law Club at Dordt. At club meetings, students hear from speakers, learn about different areas of law, and even participate in mock trials. The Pre-Law club has provided Cutler with valuable insight into the world of law and opportunities to build connections with fellow pre-Law students.
Cutler is also the economist for Defender Capital Management (DCM), gaining first-hand experience growing the club’s $1.5 million portfolio.
“The portfolio is entirely student-led. We make all the decisions,” explains Cutler. Club members investigate and present on stocks, then vote on where to invest. And while the faculty advisor has the power to veto a decision, no advisor in the history of DCM has ever vetoed, according to Cutler.
Through DCM, Cutler has learned to navigate risk with greater discipline and insight. “During my first stock presentation, I was very much underprepared,” says Cutler. “The club chose not to buy the stock. Since then, the stock has risen over 50%.”
“It taught me a lot,” he continues. “We can’t wing important decisions. God has given us the privilege of stewarding creation, and we shouldn't take it lightly.”
Looking back, Cutler is grateful for the opportunity DCM has provided him to develop his high-stakes risk-taking skills with the guidance and support of faculty advisers and fellow club members. He believes it is one of many ways Dordt has prepared him for law school.
Ultimately, Cutler views his time at Dordt as a gift from God, shaping how he views his calling to serve others. “If you spend the only life God gave you making half-hearted promises, giving half-hearted efforts, doing what is safe and comfortable, what do you expect to happen?” says Cutler. “God has given you a life. Will you steward it, or squander it?”
