Coming to Ball State has given me opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, and it’s shaped me into the person I am today. As a freshman, I was nervous about adjusting to life on my own. Learning a new campus, a new living situation, new professors, and college-level classes is overwhelming—but at the same time, you’re also trying to find your people. Ball State has given me friendships that have lasted and continue to grow, along with new opportunities to connect every single day.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned here is that growth often begins with discomfort. Stepping outside my comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it opened doors that shaped my college experience—personally and professionally. One of the greatest aspects of Ball State is the sense of community within my cohort. From the dorms to prerequisite courses and all the way through the nursing program, I’ve been surrounded by familiar faces who encouraged me and helped me grow. These individuals are not just classmates—they are lifelong friends I can rely on in both the good times and the challenging ones.
That same support extends beyond my peers. My instructors have been incredibly helpful. They are always willing to meet with me, challenge me, and push my knowledge further. Their communication and dedication have inspired me in ways I will carry into my career. Professors like Susan Benner, Pam Brelage, Jessica Duncan, and Sarah Zvonar lead by example with organization and clarity, and their patient-centered approach has helped shape the nurse I’m becoming.
I am currently completing my final semester in the nursing program. Ball State has prepared me with the knowledge and clinical skills to be a healthcare professional, but more importantly, it has instilled in me a deep passion for patient-centered care. Skills and information can be taught and practiced, but the compassion I have witnessed in my peers and professors within the College of Health has given me something no textbook ever could. I am excited for my next steps as I transition into a role as a registered nurse in the Neuroscience ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I would tell incoming students to get involved on campus. Make connections with your classmates. Get to know your professors and build those relationships early—they truly want to see you succeed. Having familiar faces around campus makes the world of difference!
– Raymond Krider
