November 4, 2022
The youngest of three Shawnee State University students, Carissa Link (Hometown: Norwalk, Ohio) has always felt like the university was home. She and her two sisters found their own paths by being involved with the university.
“I committed to joining Shawnee's first ever swim team back in 2020 and that choice built my foundation here on campus,” she said. “I can see the same people every day because of the smaller campus size. I get to work alongside other motivated students while still finding time to attend other fun events.”
A Resident Assistant on campus, Link continues as a member of the Women's Swimming program and is a sister of the Theta Phi Alpha organization. She also works in the Women's & Gender Equity Center and is a member of the Shawnee Panhellenic Council this year. In all of her organizations, she holds leadership positions where she plans events and coordinates initiatives to help other members find a meaningful place within the group.
“SSU is truly what you make it,” she said.
Majoring in both the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and Psychology, Link is passionate about her majors because it allows her to help individuals of all ages to live meaningful and purposeful lives despite any conditions or diagnoses.
“I’ve always had an interest in human thinking and behavior,” she said. “My majors contribute greatly to my understanding of people and what motivates people in their everyday lives.”