Here is a sampling of what previous Building Better Communities Fellows (formerly Business Fellows) say about their distinctive experiences:
“My Business Fellows experience has been even more rewarding than I thought it would be. Before beginning the project, I expected it to be like class work. But my experience thus far has taken on an entirely different shape. I feel less like a college student pounding out an assignment for a grade and more like a qualified professional whose work is worthy of use by a real Indiana business. Knowing that a great organization like the Indiana Transportation Museum values my photographic skills not only validates my hard work here at Ball State, but gives me the boost of confidence I need to pursue a professional career in my field of study.”—W. Sierra Hoffman, Indiana Transportation Museum, 2007-08
“During Business Fellows this semester, I have learned not only about my 12 other team members and two advisors, but also about myself and the men and women who are a part of the Indiana Transportation Museum. When I signed up for Business Fellows, I was not sure what to expect. I knew that I wanted to be on the team with Dick Shoemaker, but I did not even know what the Indiana Transportation Museum was. Since then, I have met incredible men and women who volunteer their time to run the Indiana Transportation Museum. I expected to help make a business better, but instead I helped make the business better by learning who they are and where their passion comes from. I wasn’t real sure how men could be so enthusiastic about a train, but when I saw one of the men break down in tears, I got it. To them, trains are their escape from reality, their place where everything makes sense. At the beginning of the semester, I went into Business Fellows thinking I would make some graphics and possibly work on a Web site, now I just want to do whatever I can to help these men live out their dreams of being a part of the train museum.”—Kristyn Loudermilk, Indiana Transportation Museum, 2007-08
“My Ball State experience has helped me determine my dream of helping people do their business better, while helping me sustain myself. I have realized my dream of never ceasing to educate myself and strive for knowledge and new information. Opportunities that I have had because I have attended Ball State are working with real businesses in the community as I work in my classes. I was able to achieve an internship at the Indianapolis International Airport and hope I will have a job with them in May when I graduate. Last year, I was the project manager for the Rain Barrel Project with Jennifer Bott, and this year, I am the project manager for Fred Kitchens' AITP organization project. My involvement with Business Fellows has been very in depth, and I believe that it has prepared me for the 'real world' more than anything else here at Ball State.”—Dante Kobek, Muncie Sanitary District, Spring 2008; AITP Startup Project, Fall 2008, Indianapolis International Airport, 2006-07
Praise from Health Fellows
“Immersive learning and the overall experience is about applying oneself and putting passion into action. The Health Fellows corporate wellness project has fueled my excitement for the future. I am thankful Ball State has devised this method of effectively preparing students for a real job.”—Megan Burkett, Organizational Communications Major
“Health Fellows corporate wellness program was an exciting course. I had the opportunity to work with great people outside my major. There’s not a classroom activity or lecture that world provide the same learning experience as this has. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the immersive learning opportunity."—Amanda Dreger, Dietetics Major, Food Management Minor
“I think every student at Ball State should be required to participate in an immersive learning project. I learned more about professionalism and meeting deadlines than I have in any other course.”—Autumn Sexton, Marketing Major, Food Management Minor
“The Health Fellows immersive learning project provided many opportunities to interact with a great business and make a difference in the health of their employees.”—Jenna Heckman, Exercise Science Major, Physical Activity for Older Adults Minor