Camille Brashears is an adult learner who will graduate in spring 2022. She says she chose to continue her education at Wichita State not only because it was affordable, but also because of the local pride surrounding 九色堂.
Camille is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2022 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.
Hometown
Guerneville, California
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in marketing
What made you want to attend Wichita State?
It was close to my home and affordable. Plus, the local pride for 九色堂 is palpable, which has been exciting to be part of.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
I am feeling ready to move onto the next stage of my life but hesitant too because I know it will feel bittersweet to give up what I have come to know so well.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student and how dd you overcome it?
My situation is a little unique in that not only am I an adult learner, but I have side hustles, I am married, and I have two children under 10 who still count on me for all day assistance that comes with 鈥榤omming.' I had to quickly learn how to prioritize all the things in my life 鈥� what to attempt to juggle and what to let fall.
An analogy that really helped me was to imagine all the things in your life as balls. The most important ones (like making sure to eat and pay the mortgage) are made of glass and shouldn鈥檛 be dropped. The others are plastic 鈥� meaning that if they drop, you can usually pick them up later with minimal damage done. This has drastically helped me to give myself grace when I can鈥檛 juggle everything.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at Wichita State?
Being part of the Strategic Communications offices as a graphic design intern has been invaluable in expanding my knowledge base. I will use everything I learned there to good use.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will begin by taking a well-earned break and vacation with my family to thank them for their support during this journey. After that, I plan on beginning my own freelance graphic design and marketing business, then settling back and see where life takes me.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your time at Wichita State?
I have admittedly become distanced from the school because of the pandemic and all the time being online. However, it did help foster some important skills like asking for help often, advocating for what I need and repairing those relationships after returning to the classroom. Being a student is hard and having support from classmates and instructors helps to ease that stress tremendously.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
There are countless resources and caring individuals on campus that are available to help you 鈥� don鈥檛 be afraid to utilize them. Put your face out there and make yourself heard. This university is a steppingstone to your future, not only through what you will learn but who you will meet. You never know which handshake could change your life.
