THE ECHO

by Jacob Vereb

Wyatt Maher – Freshman at Ball State University

What is your major? 

Broadcast Journalism. We go out and report on stories both around campus and around the community. Newslink [Ball State’s local news program] is a very good program for people going into broadcast journalism because you get that hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in a newsroom. In the classroom, we’re learning how to write in AP style, which is the proper format for writing news stories. In some of my classes we make short films and review other pieces of media; not just broadcast media, but social media, movies, TV shows, and stuff like that. 

What are your academics like? 

I expected it to be a lot harder. I was expecting my teachers to be a lot more strict. In high school I would hear teachers say “Oh, that won’t fly in college” and stuff like that, It really can. A majority of my professors let you call them by their first name. It’s just a lot more chill. You work at your own pace most days. Three days of the week I’m done with class by 12, which is awesome. I have the rest of the day to study or hang out with friends. Depending on your major, it’s really easy to stay on top of your work if you give yourself that time. 

How is the social life on campus? 

Honestly, I didn’t know what I was expecting socially. I just thought it would be like high school, and it kind of is. You’re cool with everybody, and you get to a point where the large majority of people know who you are, and you know who they are, especially on your dorm floor. The first week was literally like “Monsters University.” My neighbor and I went out the first weekend looking for a party to go to, and we found one. It was lame, so we just went home, but it was still fun. But yeah, “Monsters University” is the best way I could describe it. 

Do you have any tips for seniors going into college? 

Bring shower shoes and lots of medicine. Go Greek. Greek life is very fun, and you meet a lot of great people. Connections are, like, everything in college. The more connections you make, the more successful you’re going to be. Just don’t be shy, don’t be scared. Just go up to someone and start talking to them. I’ve met some pretty great friends just by doing that. 

Sadie Wittkamper – Freshman at American University

What is your major? 

My major is environmental studies, and I’m planning on minoring in anthropology next year. So far during this semester it has consisted of setting a foundation of general knowledge surrounding the environment and its social, political, and economic impacts. There is a lecture and lab component which is very useful when it comes to applying what you learn in class to something tangible. 

What made you want to attend an out of state college? 

I’ve always known that I wanted to move away from Indiana. This is a result of experiences in my childhood and having been fortunate enough to travel. It was evident that there was a lot more room for individualistic expression, and generally more open-minded people in places outside of Indiana. 

What is it like being far from home? 

I think that accepting the discomfort of being disconnected from everything that has been your foundation is incredibly influential in building character. It can be hard being away from home but almost everyone is in the same situation and that in itself creates a sense of understanding and community. 

What were some of your expectations vs. reality 

I was expecting to miss home a lot more than I do. While I miss the sense of familiarity that being home gave me, I have very quickly become comfortable with DC and the people I’ve met here. I think that whenever you place yourself in a completely new environment exploring on your own is very important to find comfort in your independence. 

Joe Perron – Electrician Assistant

What made you want to go into a trade? 

Personally, I just didn’t think that college was the best fit for me. I did like school, but I would rather just go into a trade and go straight to work. There is schooling behind it, but they pay for it. I go to school one to two days a week, and then the other days I would be on site as what they call a “helper”. I’m learning from people who know what they’re doing while on the job. I just think that’s the most proficient way for me to learn. 

What was it like coming into the job? 

I mean, I was expecting the pay to be good. People have told me that trades pay you good. But going into this, I was more in the mindset that I really got to bust my butt, I’ve really got to work hard. I can’t mess around because this is something that I want to do in the future.  I’m excited to do it, and I have to be very positive minded about it because there is still a lot I have to learn. 

Has your job experience been an overall positive experience? 

Oh, one million percent. I’ve definitely been learning a lot. I’ve been making a lot of connections that could further my career. So, to answer your question, yes. 

Do you have any tips for someone entering the job force right out of high school? 

I would definitely take your time. You wouldn’t want to jump into something that you don’t fully like. Really do your research. Look up places you might want to work at and see what you’d be working with. You know, what are the benefits? What are the hours? Is this union? Is this nonunion? Will it be laborious? Will I have to play for schooling? Just do your research, you wouldn’t want to go into something like this blind.