Senior Erick Cruz is no stranger to overcoming tough obstacles. After immigrating to the United States from Parral, Mexico, Cruz gained permanent residency at the age of 6.
Cruz graduated from high school in 2008, and decided to work hard labor jobs for cash under the table. He soon found himself negatively influenced by coworkers. In order to fit in and feel accepted, Cruz joined in and started to drink excessively. This led him to experiment with drugs.
Cruz eventually came face to face with the law when an undercover police officer found him. Instead of arresting him, the police officer invited Cruz into his home. There, he was shown compassion and support. He knew this was a sign for him to start his new life.
“I know I want to help people,” Cruz said. “I want to teach people lessons that I was never taught. I had to learn everything the hard way. I want to help people avoid learning things the hard way.”
In 2014, Cruz moved from Denver to Wichita to begin his new journey volunteering and living at a homeless shelter for two years. Throughout this time, Cruz rehabilitated himself and was encouraged to apply to Wichita State by members of his Bible study. The overwhelming questions of “What if I am not smart enough?” and “What if I cannot afford it?” began to haunt Cruz. Despite the “what ifs,” Cruz applied and was accepted.
“One of the reasons that helped me choose WSU was the adult learners program,” Cruz said. “They focus on helping people like me.”
Inspired by the police officer who took him in, Cruz decided to major in criminal justice with a minor in Spanish. After maintaining good grades his first year of college, Cruz was able to qualify for scholarships through the Office of Online and Adult Learning.
By enrolling in summer classes and pre-sessions, in addition to regular semesters, Cruz would complete a four-year degree in three years. He was planning to apply to the Wichita Police Department, but he was encouraged by one of his mentors to take philosophy classes, and the plan started to change.
Inspired by philosopher René Descartes’ “I think therefore I am,” Cruz started to think about what he truly wanted to do with his life.
“Studying Plato’s notes on the Socrates’ trial awoke a desire in me to study law,” Cruz said. “My ultimate goal is to help people with my degree, and as a lawyer, I see the ability to do that.”
Cruz found himself taking the LSAT and applying to several universities across the country. The University of Kansas School of Law accepted Cruz, due to his grades and internship at the Sedgwick County Public Defender Office.
He’ll start his new journey this fall in Lawrence, financially supported by a $10,000 annual scholarship.
Andrew Hippisley, dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, believes Erick’s life and academic experiences have prepared him for this next chapter.
“Erick’s moving story shows the power of a four-year liberal arts education, not just to inform but to re-set, to redirect, and to allow for self-discovery,” Hippisley said. “From criminal justice to the law via a philosophy class, Erick’s unique path was made possible by hard work, self-belief and a willingness to be curious.”