Carissa Herr, president of Asian Amercian Student Association, thinks of herself as a people-person who genuinely delights in interacting with students.
When Herr first arrived at Ball State from her hometown of Nappanee, she immediately became an active member of various student organizations.
Other than AASA, Herr has been a member of Excellence in Leadership for two years. She is also a member of the Campus Activity Fund Board, Alpha Omicron Pi, an alumni status member of Alpha Phi Omega, member of the Asian-American Advisory Board and a member of the Multicultural Advisory Board. She is also a peer mentor, an orientation leader and is now a part of the new Multicultural Ambassador program.
"Carissa is a very active young lady," said Terry Frazier, assist and director of student organizations and activities. "Everyone that ever meets her seems to genuinely enjoy her comapny. It amazes me how she keeps up with all of the activities and groups she's involved with."
Herr has also received numerous awards and other accolades from the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She has been honored for academic achievement, outstanding leadership and distinguished service every year since her initial enrollment at Ball State.
Herr was born in Korea and adopted by American parents at the age of two. Herr was raised in Nappanee, mostly known for its small town and Amish culture.
She came to Ball State wanting to know more about her personal heritage and wanting to dive into activities and personal improvement, despite fears that she would feel like a fish out of water.
"I was scared that I wouldn't fit in with AASA because I expected everyone here to have deep knowledge of their background, heritage and customs," Herr said. "I didn't know much about traditional dress, cooking or history.
"College is a time to grow, learn and experience regardless of what your background may be. If students take the initiative, it is always well worth it."
Herr applied her interests regardless of her fears and has been very pleased with the journey, she said.
"Here at AASA, there is a mix of students. There are those with more recent ties to Asia and those more like me who were raised in small Indiana towns and have little knowledge of their background. Here, everyone is equally welcome and wanting to be involved is the most important thing," Herr said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
