Mackenzie Haas, from Fountain, Colo., was involved in several organizations during her time at Wichita State including the Student Government Association and Uniting Bold Sisters. 

Mackenzie is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

What is your degree in?

I will be getting a Bachelor of Arts in integrated marketing communication with a minor in English.

Where are you from?

I am from Fountain, Colo.

What led you to Wichita State to begin with?

My dad graduated from Wichita State and has lived in the Wichita area for most of my life. I grew up cheering on the Shocker basketball team and felt at home in the Wichita community.

How are you feeling leading up to graduation?

I am feeling a full range of emotions from excitement, anticipation, sadness, nostalgia and even fear. I am ready for the next chapter of life, but I am not fully confident in what it will look like yet. These feelings mixed with the prospect of not being on campus and engaged with my friends in the same way is a tricky thing to navigate. I have loved my experience at Wichita State, and while I am excited for what is to come, I am also sad to see it all coming to an end.

What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at Wichita State?

My most helpful learning experience has been getting the opportunity to figure out who I am as a leader, a professional and as a person in general. I have been able to learn what my values are on a deeper level because I have been challenged to grow within the Shocker community.

What was been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

I think balancing everything was a pretty big challenge as a student. It is hard to stay engaged in classes, work and be involved at all times. I got through this by remembering that I do not have to be the absolute best at everything I am doing. It is okay to make some sacrifices for my mental health. In fact, it is important. I learned to put myself first at all times.

What organizations were you involved in during your time at Wichita State?

I was involved in Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Student Government Association and Uniting Bold Sisters.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently unsure what my plans are, but I am applying like crazy for jobs and hoping for interviews!

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your time at Wichita State or your post-graduation plans?

It has definitely been a tough year. I have hated not being able to engage socially with my friends in person. It has been hard to get as much out of my classes and involvement this year, and interviewing over Zoom or videos is tough. It is much more difficult to read body language and judge how well the interview is going.

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

Take it all in. Be open to every single opportunity that comes your way. Remember your own strength, but also your boundaries and do not let anyone push those. Take your seat at the table because you deserve it and use it to represent yourself and everyone coming to the table after you leave.