Q&A with Grace
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your year in school, hometown, CASS concentration, and any minors, second majors, campus involvement, or other experiences you'd like to share?
I am a sophomore from Geneva, NY. I'm concentrating in student services and double minoring in Arts Management and Theatre and Drama. I am a member of Kappa Delta Pi ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøal Honors Society here at the School of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, and a member of U Bring Change to Mind Mental Health Initiative.
How did you first discover CASS, and what made you decide it was the right major for you? If you started in another major or considered another field, we'd love to hear about that journey too.
I originally started as an Arts Management major at O’Neill, but it didn't feel like the right fit for me. While exploring my options at the school of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, I stumbled upon the CASS Program and loved everything about it. Everything about the program and its requirements spoke to me and felt like such an exciting program.
What interests you most about your CASS concentration, and how does it connect to what you hope to do after graduation?
What I am most interested in about my student services concentration is using it at the collegiate level and helping college students settle inot the college experience. This connects with my post-graduation goals because I would love to work for the School of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø here at IU!
What has been your favorite CASS class, experience, project, or assignment so far? Was there a particular experience that confirmed you were in the right major?
My favorite CASS class has been Adolescents in a Learning Community. I've enjoyed learning how we grow during adolescence and how that affects our lifespan. An experience that confirmed to me that I am in the right major is when I told my friends and family that I had switched my major, and they all said that it makes so much sense for me because I love listening and helping people and that it “was perfect for me.
What skills have you developed through CASS that you believe will be valuable in your future career or graduate education?
Skills I have developed through CASS that I believe will be valuable are my ability to work with kids of all ages. I have learned how to address and reduce issues and conflict among children of all ages.
How have you been able to apply what you're learning through internships, practicum experiences, research, service, campus involvement, work, or other hands-on experiences?
I have been able to apply what I've learned through service learning at the Boys & Girls Club. I am also a member of U Bring Change to Mind. I plan to intern in New Zealand in the spring of 2028 and gain more classroom experience in the coming years.
What do you wish you had known about CASS when you were choosing a college major?
The internships available exclusively for CASS and how our program differentiates from the other education program (no blocks, other requirements, etc.)
What would you say to a prospective student interested in areas such as psychology, mental health, helping professions, working with children and adolescents, or supporting college students but unsure what major to choose?
If you love helping people, finding answers, and listening to people's life stories, then this is the place for you. You want to see everyone succeed, but you also know you need time for yourself. Mental health and counseling isn't just one job; there are so many other outlets here to explore!
Complete this sentence: I chose CASS because ...
I want to help others succeed.
If CASS had not been available at IU, what major do you think you would have chosen instead?
I most likely would major in Human Development and Reproductive Health.