Wichita State University Student Camille Brashears is an adult learner who wants to
begin a freelance graphic design and marketing business after she graduates.
Meet a Shocker: Camille Brashears
May 3, 2022
By Abigail Klein, public relations advisor
Bachelor or Fine Arts in Graphic Design
WSU's program prepares students for competitive, client-based work in advertising
agencies, design studios, and as part of in-house creative teams for major brands.
Many students get a head start on their career with an internship at a local company
with a global reach.
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 WSU.
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 WSU 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 ‘momming.' I had to quickly learn how to prioritize
all the things in my life — 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’t be dropped. The others are plastic — 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’t 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 — don’t 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.
