The new sense of freedom I experienced when I got to Ball State was everything I imagined—no curfews, no one telling me what to do. But after a few weeks, reality started to sink in. I was skipping assignments and putting things off, and it started to catch up with me. My grades took a hit, and I realized I had to make some changes.

I reached out to my professors, and thankfully, they were understanding and gave me the chance to catch up. My friends and even my resident assistant checked in on me and offered support when I needed it most. That made all the difference. I started to see college as an opportunity rather than an obligation. That shift in mindset helped me stay engaged, show up, and actually invest in my future.

Things really clicked when I got involved with the Philanthropy Education Council (PEC). I had always been interested in philanthropy in high school, so when I heard about One Ball State Day—our University’s big, annual 24-hour fundraising event—I knew I wanted to be part of it. I applied for the PEC committee and was so excited to get selected. Getting involved gave me a sense of purpose, and working on One Ball State Day turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career.

If I could give new students one piece of advice, it would be to stay on campus those first few months. Try new things. College is a time to put yourself out there and get involved. I’m so glad I did—because it led me to a community, a cause I care about, and a future I’m excited to pursue.