CourtesyAna Alicia Casados encourages her peers to stop and take time for themselves, to not get swept away in their responsibilities, and to always remember why they chose to go to college. She has been able to succeed in college herself by following this advice and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in exercise science.
Ana is one of more than 1,400 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Garden City, Kansas
Major
Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose WSU for its affordable tuition, program of interest and proximity to home and other areas in the state.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student has been learning to balance school, work and extracurriculars. Making sure I’m a successful student in the classroom, volunteering/being involved in the community and participating in school events while also working full time to afford my education has always been a major challenge in my college career. It can be hard to find the time and motivation when a million things are weighing you down, but you just got to remember why you started and how good it will feel when you finally reach your goals. And to finally say, “We did it.”
What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?
Garden Plains Nature Center and anywhere with a lot of trees and scenery. One of my favorite places to bike and skate at.
If you could choose a song to play when you walk across the stage at graduation, what would it be?
“The Journey” by H.E.R
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my education and attend graduate school, pursuing physical therapy and personal training on the side.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Remember to take time for yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in school, work and all of other life’s responsibilities. Remember to stop and enjoy the time you’re in and make college an experience that you can look back on and remember all the good memories you made.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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