By Kasy Long
May 8, 2025
Economics Major
Kamille Gaskin-Griffith, ’25, embarked on her journey to become an Indiana State University Sycamore without ever setting foot on the Terre Haute campus. The senior economics major came to Indiana State from Saint James, Barbados, and she was drawn to the University by glowing recommendations and the promise of a home away from home.
Gaskin-Griffith’s path to Indiana State began when she noticed the University’s track and field coaching staff at a track meet in Barbados. She inquired about Indiana State’s women’s track and field program, and she soon became interested in attending the University.
“I was in the right place at the right time when I saw the coaches. After connecting with them, they told me about Indiana State, and I got a sense that it was a caring campus community. I wanted to learn more about it,” she says.
Inspired by their stories, Gaskin-Griffith decided to join the track and field team and pursue her bachelor’s degree at Indiana State, where she also picked up minors in operations and supply chain management and insurance and risk management.
Arriving in Terre Haute was an adjustment for Gaskin-Griffith. “I definitely had to get used to the winter weather here,” she jokes. Despite the initial challenges and an adjustment to a new environment, she quickly realized that the recommendations were spot on. “Indiana State has a family atmosphere on campus. Everyone has your best interest at heart. I was far away from my family, but I felt like I had a family here, too,” she adds.
Initially an accounting major, Griffith-Gaskin discovered her passion for economics through various classes. She appreciates how the critical-thinking aspects of the major align with her future career goals as a financial analyst. “I enjoy learning about finance and economics, and Indiana State’s program introduced the material in a way that made sense,” she says.
The Sycamore credits her faculty for their unwavering support. She adds, “My professors go out of their way to help me. They’ve helped me find job opportunities, and I never felt like I was on my own. They’ve encouraged me to consider economics from a different perspective, and that’ll help me as a financial analyst.”
Gaskin-Griffith’s academic journey also included tutoring students as a teaching assistant in the economics program. She assisted professors in grading assignments and tutoring, and she provided valuable feedback on class structure. Additionally, she explored the role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. “Being a TA has helped me learn more about working with others and my professors. I’ve also been able to understand my own studies even more because I might review something with a student that I haven’t considered in a while,” she explains.
Her professional development was further enriched by an internship as an Inventory Specialist at the Sea Breeze Hotel in Barbados. Gaskin-Griffith gained hands-on experience in supply chain management, overseeing the shipping process to various restaurants at the hotel resort.
“The whole experience helped me navigate how to work in a professional setting, and it taught me what it’s like to actually have a career in something you care about. I learned how to take initiative on tasks and how to learn from my mistakes. It was important for me to learn how to communicate problems and work with my teammates to find solutions. This was my first time stepping into a professional role, and I enjoyed the whole experience,” Gaskin-Griffith explains.
Back in Terre Haute, the Sycamore competed for Indiana State’s women’s track and field team, ranking fifth in program history for the heptathlon. The heptathlon features seven events, including high jump, long jump, javelin, hurdles, and more. While she thrives on the competitive nature of the sport, it is the camaraderie of the team that makes all the difference.
“The team is like a family. I’m grateful to spend my days with hard workers. We cheer each other on at all of our meets, and we go through challenges together as one team,” she explains.
Gaskin-Griffith also supported her teammates as a student-athlete academic mentor, guiding freshmen through their busy schedules. She comments, “It’s hard to manage your academics and athletics, and it can be overwhelming at times, but I was there to answer questions and guide new students to life at Indiana State. They are never alone.”
Now, Gaskin-Griffith reflects on her decision to travel far away from home to pursue her dreams. She knows she made the right decision, and she couldn’t have asked for a better college experience, she says.
“Indiana State has a big enough campus to always have something to do with your friends, but it’s also small enough to meet all kinds of different people. It’s the perfect size, and I’ve felt so comfortable here. I’m glad I came here,” she says.
Her friends, coaches, and peers are equally glad she chose Indiana State. As Gaskin-Griffith prepares to embark on her career, she is ready to go ALL IN on her success. Whether she returns to Barbados or ventures elsewhere, she will always cherish her time at Indiana State.