More than 1,100 Shockers are eligible for graduation in fall 2021. While each of their journeys are unique, they all share a common connection to Shocker Nation. Here's what some of our graduates have to say about their time at Wichita State University and the future they see for themselves.  

Shocker graduate stories

 

Christopher Wright

Christopher Wright

Christopher Wright not only has a job as a communication and navigation technician in the Air Force but is now graduating with a physics degree. “It has taken me 15 years to complete this bachelor's. If you were to ask me if I would change anything, my likely answer would be, no. That ‘no’ comes with the understanding that everything I have done up to this point hasn’t been wasted. Whether it was time invested in my family, my work or myself — I value all of it.”

Read more about Christopher

Aunjnae White

Aunjnae White

Aunjnae White, a first-generation student, will work at a domestic violence shelter following graduation with a degree in psychology from WSU. “I really want to give advice to African American first-generation students and let them know you can do it. You will want to give up because I wanted to so many times, but just keep faith and remember the light at the end of the tunnel will be what you always dreamed of.”

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Lillian Nieman

Lillian Nieman

Lillian Nieman learned how to find confidence and advocate for herself while earning a degree in biomedical engineering from Wichita State. “There were people here who wanted to watch me succeed and help me along the way. They pushed me to reach out to my professors about research, shadow a professional in my field, apply for internships, and most of all have confidence in myself.”

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Caitlin Nolen

Caitlin Nolen

Caitlin Nolen, a first-generation student from Edmond, Oklahoma, found that getting connected on campus makes being a new student a lot less intimidating. She now plans to get a master's degree in higher education/student affairs at WSU. “The advice I would give another Wichita State student would be to try a little of everything in college. There is always something you can do, and if not, it is easy to start it up. College goes by fast if you are having fun and staying busy."

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Christopher Schroeder

Christopher Schroeder

Christopher Schroeder is thankful he learned how to advocate for himself and find his true passion for the biological sciences during a long road to graduating. “Don’t stop. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get what you want. It doesn’t matter who is watching or criticizing you. You are your greatest advocate. Stand up, have a spine, and fight for what you want and believe in.”

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Megan Schmidt

Megan Schmidt

From being a mom of five to becoming a labor and delivery nurse – how does Megan Schmidt do it all? “This has been the most challenging, yet most rewarding experience of my life. I am excited to step away from the role of student so that I can finally begin the nursing career that I have worked very hard to achieve. I am also incredibly emotional at the thought of walking across that stage and celebrating this achievement with my family and my children.”

Learn more about Megan

 
Ashley Carpenter

Ashley Carpenter

Ashley Carpenter, who's graduating with a biological sciences degree, participated in the WSU National Student Exchange Program at the University of Montana to study forestry. She learned about trees and self-sufficiency there. “I was drawn to the inclusivity and community values of the campus. The valuable opportunities and support the biology department offered made me eager to pursue my passion.” 

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Brittany Spires

Brittany Spires

Balancing work, being a mother of five and being an honor roll student is not always an easy feat, but Brittany Spires learned a good support system can help you along the way. Spires is graduating with a degree in psychology. “To other students, I say, hang in there. Believe in yourself. Set small goals. Give yourself grace to be imperfect. Make sure you have a support system. And make your health and yourself a priority.”

Read more about Brittany

Joyce Chiam

Joyce Chiam

Joyce Chiam, an international student from Malaysia, is earning her degree in industrial engineering with a minor in mathematics from Wichita State. Through the encouragement of her peers, she has learned how to thrive in an academic environment far away from home. “As an international student, it was exceptionally difficult to transition to a new school, let alone a new country. But with enough encouragement from staff members, faculties and classmates, I was soon involved in several organizations on campus. That really helped make me feel at home and expand my social circle greatly.” 

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Valeria Esparza

Valeria Esparza

Valeria Esparza’s dream was to attend college as a first-generation student. She is now guaranteed a position to teach elementary education as her future job following graduation. “The university was always a dream. I wanted to be the first in my family to attend a university.” 

Read more about Valeria

Merry Kirkpatrick

Merry Kirkpatrick

Merry Kirkpatrick learned how to balance family life and school while earning a degree in the early childhood unified program. She plans to continue working at WSU’s Childhood Development Center following graduation.

Read more about Merry

Lysel Bender

Lysel Bender

Lysel Bender dreams of becoming a writer and a publisher after receiving a double major in English literature and creative writing. “Pursue a degree that you are passionate about. Life is going to be hard and wasting time on something that you don’t care about is going to be difficult to put effort into. It’s OK to switch majors. Don’t give up, don’t give in – it will be worth it in the end.” 

Read more about Lysel

 

Kennedy Stamm

Kennedy Stamm

Kennedy Stamm was led to Wichita State because she liked the Wichita School District. Now, she will start her teaching job in August after receiving a degree in elementary education. “My advice is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things and experience new things. Always stay open minded.”

Read more about Kennedy

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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