The Master’s in Interior Design program at Ball State University isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that impact lives. Myosha Maston’s journey through the interior design graduate program showcased how passion, research, and a focus on the community can shape a career and the world around us.

For her thesis, Maston’s research focused on spaces affecting the Black community, specifically complex issues like gentrification versus rejuvenation. Her church’s location in a low-income area sparked the thesis topic.

Every morning, as Maston rides through the neighborhood where her church resides, she sees people sitting outside all day, not attending church. The people live in a food desert, Maston said, and there’s a [well-known] statistic that the people never move more than a 10-block radius from where they grew up. Observing these residents’ challenges living in a low-income area fueled her desire to make a difference.

“If we could show them there is more, would they go for it, or would they continue just being here?” Maston said. “If you don’t have the exposure and don’t know that something more exists, you don’t even know to go for it.”

One of Maston’s most valuable lessons from Ball State was the importance of pursuing projects she genuinely cared about.

“Digging into things that you care about and things that you feel will make a difference,” Maston said. “When you’re defending it or explaining it to other people, your passion for it shows through, and hopefully, you can get other people to realize how important it is.”

Maston said the program equipped her with the skills necessary for her current role as an assistant professor of interior design at Texas Christian University. The seniors in her class are working on their thesis, and Maston guides them through the research and implementation process.

“Having had someone walk me through the thesis process has given me the knowledge to walk my students through the same process, give them advice, edit their thesis and original question, and then implement the research into their designs,” Maston said.

For students considering or currently enrolled in the Master’s in Interior Design program, Maston emphasizes the importance of time management and setting boundaries as essential skills for success in any demanding field. Most importantly, she encourages students to embrace the opportunity to explore their passions without fear of failure.