Courtesy photoJose Miranda is a first-generation student who chose Wichita State for its exercise science program and to remain close to home. He is also a loyal Shocker basketball fan, so staying close to Charles Koch Arena mattered.
Jose is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Degree
Bachelor in exercise science
Hometown
Wichita
Are you a first-generation student?
Yes. My parents are immigrants from Mexico, and they didn’t attend school, so I’m breaking the cycle for them and the sacrifices they made to come to America.
Why did you choose Wichita State University?
I chose WSU because it has a great exercise science program and Doctor of Physical Therapy program. It’s also home and I'm a Shocker basketball fan.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student?
The whole thing was a challenge being first in my family to attend college and a nontraditional student.
My fiancée supported me by pushing me to apply or try something different and reminding me to study.
The biggest challenge was not knowing what steps and requirements I needed to apply for graduate school. The McNair Scholars Program helped me and connected me with Dr. Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell and the Human Performance Lab. They always had an answer for any question I had and pushed me to improve myself and get involved in research studies.
What are your favorite on-campus and off-campus spots?
On-campus, I would say the Heskett Center and the Shocker Success Center when I need to focus and study.
Off-campus, I like Dempsey’s Burger Pub for the burgers and Watermark Books & Café for local books and great coffee.
If a movie were made about your life, who would you cast to play you?
I like to have fun adventures and learn new things my own way, so I would pick Keanu Reeves in an adventure-comedy movie, as if Neo went on an adventure with Bill and Ted.
What are your plans after graduation?
I applied to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at WSU. My backup plan is to attend the physical therapy assistant program at Hutchison Community College. Either way, I want to work in health and wellness.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. Look into different programs on campus because they’ll point you in the right direction and get you involved in unique experiences.
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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