Student spotlight: Designing a degree, designing your future

Grace Cherryhomes, a recent spring 2026 graduate, is redefining what it means to create your own path. Through the Bachelor of Specialized Studies (BSS) program in University College, Cherryhomes has built a degree that blends creativity, strategy and real-world experience to prepare her for a future in design and branding. 

Cherryhomes’ journey to this point, however, was not a straight line. She reflected on an early academic setback during her college journey, describing it as a transformative experience that ultimately shaped her growth, resilience and sense of purpose. After leaving OHIO and studying a semester at Hocking College, she remained focused on her academic goals while taking time to reflect on the direction she wanted her education and future career to take.

Rather than allowing the experience to define her, she embraced it as an opportunity for growth. The experience encouraged her to approach her education with renewed focus, ultimately strengthening her commitment to her future and when she returned to OHIO, she was determined to pursue a path that combined her creative passions with long-term career goals.

That mindset led her to the Bachelor of Specialized Studies program, where students can design their own interdisciplinary degree. For Cherryhomes, this meant combining graphic design, marketing, communications and electronic media—fields that allowed her to merge her passion for creativity with her interest in strategy and business. 

“I’ve always been drawn to creativity and design,” Cherryhomes said. “But I also wanted to understand how design influences people.”

The BSS program gave her flexibility to do exactly that. Unlike traditional majors that follow a fixed curriculum, this program allows students to build their own course requirements and explore how different disciplines intersect. For Cherryhomes, this level of control made her education feel more purposeful and more aligned with her personal goals.

“Building your own major gives you more control over your education,” she explained. “It makes it more intentional—you're choosing exactly what you want to study.”

This intentional approach also helped her grow professionally. By combining multiple areas of study, she was able to develop a well-rounded skill set that includes creative design, strategic thinking and real-world communication. These skills translated directly into experience through OHIO’s virtual internship program, which helped her secure an opportunity with a tech company. 

While the BSS program offers students a highly personalized and flexible academic experience, many students may not initially realize it is an available pathway. Cherryhomes’ story reflects the value of the program for students seeking an interdisciplinary approach that aligns with their individual interests, strengths and long-term goals.

A major part of her success within the program came from the support she received in University College. Her advisor, Didi Chilcott, played a key role in helping her rebuild both her academic plan and her confidence after her dismissal. 

“She was there for me all the time,” Cherryhomes said. “We met once a week, and she helped me create a plan moving forward. She gave me the confidence to rebuild my academic path.”

With this support, Cherryhomes was able to turn a difficult experience into a defining one. Her academic challenges didn’t set her back—it ultimately redirected her toward a path that better fit her strengths, interests and goals.

Looking ahead, Cherryhomes plans to continue building on the interdisciplinary skills she has developed over the years. She is particularly interested in freelance design and hopes to one day open her own branding agency, combining all aspects of her education into one career.

“I’d love to have my own branding office and be my own boss,” she said.

Cherryhomes’ story is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s about using those challenges to build something more intentional and meaningful for yourself. Through the Bachelors of Specialized Studies program, she was able to turn a setback into an opportunity, creating a degree and a future that truly reflects who she is. 

Cherryhomes’ experience encourages other students to consider the paths that may not be traditional but may ultimately be more personalized, flexible and impactful.