Casey Terbrack is a 2017 graduate of the Communication Studies department and currently works as a Project Manager for Walker Information, a customer experience consulting firm in Indianapolis. We sat down with Casey to discuss how Ball State equipped her with the skills she needed to succeed, and what happened after CCIM.

Writer: Caitlen Ramey, Department of Journalism Student • Interviewer: Any Ung, ’19 Telecommunications grad • Video: Ball State UMS 

_______________________________________________________

What kind of student were you?

Coming to Ball State as an out of state student, I really took a chance on what the University had to offer and wanted to chase my passion for broadcast journalism. My path took a different turn during my freshman year and that is when I discovered the communication studies department. I ended up switching my major because it fit my personality so much better. It took me a bit to get involved but once I did, it was the best decision I have ever made. I met so many incredible friends, colleagues, and professors that taught me so much that I could carry into my professional life after graduation. The experiences I had through my time at Ball State are truly irreplaceable.

Did you have a favorite place on campus?

Absolutely. I really enjoyed going to the recreation center. I have always had a passion for fitness and it was really great to just take some time for myself. Then over time, I really did love walking up and down McKinley especially in the fall. To this day, when I come back and visit, I get nostalgic driving past the Bell Tower and the David Letterman building.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Ball State?

I know it is going to sound cheesy, but I absolutely loved everything about my major. I loved my classmates, the professors and the content that I was learning on a daily basis. I currently work in a business environment which is very different from a classroom setting but I will always value the memories I made during my four years.

Is there a professor that really made an impact on you?

That is such a hard question because there are really so many professors who made an impact on me both personally and professionally. If I had to pick one, I would say Dr. Laura O’Hara from the communication studies department. Her investment is out of this world from anything I have seen and her passion for helping students extends far beyond the classroom. Even after graduating, you still get a sense that she wants you to feel a part of this community. I am just so thankful for all of the time that she has invested in me and that she still checks in on me.

If you could go back and meet your freshman self, what would you tell her?

I would tell her to relax. In today’s culture it is such a misconception that we have to have it all figured out. You can’t have your career path, what classes you’re going to take, and the next four years of your life on the first day of your freshman year. I really struggled with this in the beginning but as I progressed through college, I really began to relax and approach everything with an open mind which really turned out for the best. 

______________

Want to share your story? Feel free to submit it using our story submission form.