At Ball State University, students like Eleanor Witt exemplify Beneficence through academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. As a Top 100 Student Award recipient, she is among Ball State’s most outstanding undergraduates. A junior majoring in Special Education: Intense Interventions with additional licensure in Mild Interventions, Eleanor is passionate about working with students who need intensive support. She describes her field as both rewarding and a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

Finding Her Home at Ball State

For Eleanor, choosing Ball State was easy. “Ball State has the best special education program around,” she says. “The professors were committed to me before I had even been accepted and have continued to walk by my side every step of the way since!”

That support has helped her prepare for a future in the classroom. She hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with intensive intervention needs.

A Passion for Special Education

Eleanor’s love for special education began in high school. “I became friends with a few students with intensive intervention needs and realized I absolutely love this population of students!” she shares.

Since then, every experience has reinforced her passion. “I have the most fun, rewarding, and sometimes chaotic job I could have imagined for myself,” she says. “I couldn’t see myself in any other field.”

Campus Involvement and Community Impact

Eleanor stays active both on campus and in the community. She serves as president of Cardinal Catholic, works as a Lead Mentor for the Honors College Peer Mentoring program, and has competed in two seasons of Ballvivor.

She also provides respite services and volunteer support for individuals with disabilities in Muncie. These experiences help her develop the skills and empathy she will bring into her future classroom.

Looking to the Future

After graduation, Eleanor can’t wait to become a classroom teacher. Right now, she’s considering teaching at the elementary level, but she keeps an open mind. “I know I want to work with students with intensive intervention needs,” she says. “I also plan to return for a master’s degree when it makes sense in my adult life.”

Finding Joy in the Small Things

When she’s not studying, mentoring, or volunteering, Eleanor loves to hike, kayak, and spend time outdoors. She also enjoys drinking coffee with friends. However, there’s one thing she avoids at all costs—ketchup. “Ketchup makes me deeply uncomfortable, and I avoid being around it at all costs,” she confesses.

Shout-outs and Favorite Memories

Eleanor credits Dr. Ogle and Dr. Bales for supporting her journey. “They’re icons, and they put up with all our yapping,” she jokes. She also appreciates her intense interventions cohort, who make long night classes more enjoyable.

With her passion, leadership, and community dedication, Eleanor Witt truly embodies what it means to be a Top 100 Student. She is leaving her mark on Ball State and will continue making a difference in the lives of students for years to come.