CourtesyIris Okere joined Wichita State University for its affordability and distance to her home in Texas. Here, she found WSU to be a place full of opportunities for her, including a chance grow her own confidence and independence through the challenges she faced, and in her final year, she was elected to the position of student body president in the Student Government Association.
Iris is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Dallas, Texas
Major:
Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing with minors in Spanish and management
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State University because of the affordability and the distance. I wanted to explore life outside of Texas so I could grow as an individual.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most significant challenges that I faced was the decision to move to a new state, over 300 miles away from my family. This transition presented numerous difficulties as I adjusted to an unfamiliar environment and learned to navigate the complexities of college on my own. From managing the responsibilities of academics to grieving a loss to searching for a sense of belonging, it jumpstarts the process of becoming independent and forged my path to be daunting and rewarding. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, overcoming this obstacle proved that I was able to cultivate a sense of independence and confidence that will serve me for the rest of my life.
What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?
I really like Mokas for studying plus they have good coffee. For a drink, I love Just a Sip (Coke with coconut cream and pineapple syrup) or HTeaO (sweet coconut or half sweet mango Fresca and half unsweet peach ginger), and I love Dempsey’s.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Chioma (God is Good).”
What are your plans after graduation?
I am searching for a position; I plan to take the LSAT in August or September and obtain a law degree in the near future.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
When I tell people about Wichita State, I always say this is a place of opportunity. Whether that is you starting a student organization, or parking services riding around campus trying to catch you in a yellow lot, you can be whatever you want to be, and do whatever you want to do. The sky is the limit. Always ask questions (if you’re told “no,” find out the reason why it is a “no”.) Not everyone will be a bridge to your gap (meet people where they are and accept them).
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.
Follow Wichita State on social media:
