Humans of Wichita State: Grad Edition

Hometown

Wichita, KS

Degree received

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Why did you choose Wichita State University?

Both of my parents are alumni, so I like to say I’ve always bled black and yellow. Growing up, they brought me to campus often, and I always saw myself walking the same halls they once did. That early sense of connection was strengthened by the numerous scholarship opportunities, which helped ease the financial weight of college. The Koch Scholars program made me feel welcomed and supported from day one. It all came together in a way that just felt right, and I never looked back.

Which organizations were you involved in?

Koch Scholars, Student Ambassador Society, Honors Ambassadors, Society of Women Engineers, Honors Council, Student Government Association and Sri Lankan Cultural Association.

How did being involved with the Student Ambassador Society impact your time at WSU?

I felt a strong sense of pride in my everyday life at Wichita State. As a member of the Student Ambassador Society, I often found myself sharing my Shocker experience over and over again. While that repetition could feel a bit redundant, I was surprised by how much I learned about my own journey each time I told it. The most meaningful moments came when a prospective student made a comment or connection that challenged me to see my experience from a new perspective. SAS members have the privilege of interacting with a wide range of people at every event, and I’ve come to realize that our role isn’t just to inform others about college life, but also to learn from the students we meet.

Which Wichita State faculty or staff member impacted you the most during your time here?

Katie Brady-Wark, the Director of Student Engagement in the College of Engineering, was the Society of Women Engineers faculty advisor during my senior year. I spent countless hours in her office, working on strategies to grow our SWE group to personal rants about anything and everything. I’ve never met someone who could be described as a bundle of pure joy more than Katie. Even on her toughest days, she has a smile for everyone ALWAYS. I look up to her compassion when I find myself in tough situations, and I know SWE is left in good hands under her advising.

How do you feel about graduating?

My feelings on graduating are complicated. I’m scared. I'm scared of stepping into a life where school is no longer my main motivator. For so long, school gave me structure, purpose and a way to measure my worth. Without it, I worry I won't know who I am.

But I’m also excited. Excited to live my life fully after everything college has taught me. Wichita State has shaped me into the woman I’ve always hoped to become, and now I’m ready to build a life that reflects that growth. I’ll never forget the people who helped shape me here. Every part of myself that I love now, I once loved in someone else. And I’m endlessly grateful for every experience: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I would give anything to go back in time and relive the last four years, even if I do everything exactly how I did it the first time around including every mistake and every heartbreak. Because each of those moments brought me to where I am now. And if there's one thing I’ve absolutely, without a doubt, learned through all of these experiences, it's that I still have so much more to learn and so much more to give. If this is only the beginning, then I truly can’t wait for what’s next.

Which experience at Wichita State challenged you the most and what did you take away from that challenge?

My biggest challenge as a student has been overcoming impostor syndrome. I chose computer science late in my high school career, and trying to catch up to my peers who had been coding for years felt impossible. It took a lot of self-reflection and encouragement from professors and classmates to realize that learning isn't a race. I stopped defining myself by how much I already knew and started embracing how much I was willing to learn. That shift helped me gain the courage to confidently call myself an engineer.

What are your post-grad plans?

I joined RTX Technologies’ Digital Leadership Development Program. For two years, I’ll be doing eight-month rotations in different positions and cities. My first rotation is as a Compliance Systems Analyst with Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Where you are right now is enough, and your path will unfold as you keep showing up. Surround yourself with people and systems that challenge and uplift you. Some of the best growth happens when you slow down and listen to your mentors, your peers and yourself. Trust the process and be kind to yourself along the way.