F1RST GEN SHOCKERS (FGEN)

What is your Role?​

“I teach online dental hygiene degree completion courses, in the dental hygiene clinic and serve as Department Chair.”​

What is your Story or Advice?​

“My parents did not graduate from high school; however, they empowered me to focus on working hard, finding resources, and believing in myself to make a professional career a reality.  My advice is to take one semester at a time, they add up to graduation. Be willing to believe you can do what you are willing to work hard at and be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. Never give up, put in extra time and believe in yourself.”

Professional Background:

• BHS in Dental Hygiene​, Wichita State University​
• MHS in Dental Hygiene​, Idaho State University​

What is your Role?​

“I am the Assistant Dean of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice and an Assistant Educator in Public Health Sciences.”​

What is your Story or Advice?​

“I have always enjoyed school and knew at the age of 12 that I would go to college. I had a lot of interests and did not know what I wanted to study as an undergraduate and at the time, I was not aware of resources to tap into to figure out my path. It wasn’t until I was near graduation with a degree in art that I realized my strong interests in health, as I was working for student wellness at the time. I had a wonderful mentor that motivated me to seek an MPH and then stressed the value of a PhD program based on my professional goals. Since then, I have truly valued the resources available to students, faculty and staff mentors and positive, creative, learning environments. Advice? Seek all the information you can and take advantage of resources available!”​

Professional Background:

• BA in Art History​, University of Nevada – Las Vegas​
• MPH in Public Health​, University of Kansas School of Medicine​
• Doctorate in Community Psychology​, Wichita State University​

What is your Role?​

“I help ensure proper funding for students, staff, & lecturers hired within the College of Health Professions & process payments that assist in keeping our programs functioning.”

What is your Story or Advice?​

“I come from a small community in Kansas where not a lot of opportunities exist.  I saw college and moving to the city as a way out and boy was I right!  WSU provided more opportunities & friendships than I could have ever imagined.”

My biggest pieces of advice are: ​

• Don’t be afraid to jump in and try something new. ​
• Most people are nicer than they look so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation & make a new friend.​
• Partying & having a social life can be fun but don’t let those things distract you from why you’re here & what you’re wanting to accomplish.​
• Take care of your body! Endorphins from exercise & the overall benefits will help you through some of your most difficult times.​
• Get help when you need it.  There are many many resources available.  Take advantage of them while you can.​
• Lastly, take the time to learn about & manage your finances. The more you know the more you’ll realize the importance of self-discipline for long term success.​

There are going to be many challenges along the way to graduation and starting your careers, but we’re here to help see you through & make you stronger along the way.  Don’t be afraid to reach out, we’re here

Professional Background:

• Wichita State University
  • Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications
  • Minor in Sociology

What is your Role?​

“I teach upper level anatomy courses for CHP, DH, PA, and PT, as well as supervise the cadaver lab.”​

What is your Story or Advice?​

“My main advice is to never be afraid to fail at something or make mistakes; that is often when we grow the most.”

“A surprise to most, my grades in high school were terrible; I will be honest…I was lazy. I was never sure what I wanted to do with my life, but always found science interesting. I remember that I wanted to try to take the “Health Academy” class and when I went to ask permission to enroll in it, I was told I was not smart enough to go into healthcare. Even my family didn’t think I was interested in college. It wasn’t until college that I took my first anatomy class (using cadavers) and was hooked. That’s all I wanted to do with my life! I was originally pre-PT and then changed my path to pre-med. Then organic chemistry happened… that was a rough semester trying to take organic, physics, genetics, and an advanced anatomy class all at once (plus I was a theatre minor and had practice every night). That learning experience set me back a year due (and a lot of money), but I persevered through that failure, and really learned how to study, achieving an A in the course the following year. I eventually began to work with the PA program as a GTA and it was then that I fell in love with teaching and realized I could get my degree in anatomy. The rest is history! Now I have an interest in learning and teaching methods and want to pursue a doctorate to help other students work through those challenging science courses to achieve what others told them they couldn’t do.”​

Professional Background:

• BS in Biology​, Newman University​
• MS in Clinical Anatomy​, Creighton University​
• EdD in Educational Leadership (Educational Psychology), Wichita State University (in progress)

What is your Role?​

“I am junior clinic coordinator and teach didactic and lab courses primarily for junior / first year dental hygiene students.  I also teach in senior clinic.”

What is your Story or Advice?​

“Although neither of my parents went to college, they never made my siblings or I feel as if we wouldn’t attend.  We assumed that was what everyone did and never really thought about the fact that my parents did not.  My advice is:  Just assume you are supposed to be where you are. You earned it.”

Professional Background:

• BHS in Dental Hygiene​, Wichita State University​
• MHS in Dental Hygiene​, Wichita State University

What is your Story or Advice?​

Advocate for yourself and seek out what you need. Don’t wait for someone to initiate help, be proactive. 

• Find a mentor that has experience with higher education. Navigating college systems is complex. I did not have anyone to help me. I thought I was just stupid that I couldn't figure out what to do. The reality is the systems are complicated, and there is so much information it is overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask. 
• Go at your own pace. It took me over five years to get done with my associate's degree.  I knew that I couldn't go at my own pace once I entered the nursing program so, I worked and saved. Subsequently, it took me longer to get through the associate's degree.  Be at peace with decisions that are best for you. 
• Get involved on campus. A sense of belonging does matter. I have experience both being involved and not being involved. I can look back and know that being involved did make a difference in my grades, happiness, and sense of belonging to a college—even small involvement matters. 
• I had learned I need to some skills that were not academic in nature. I had to learn how to budget, organize, drive in a bigger city, navigate around, see other points of view,  and even write and speak at a college level. I was not exposed to these things growing up. Just plan for those life experiences and learning opportunities that are foundational to college and career success. 
• Enjoy the ride ~ find something positive every day. 

Professional Background:

• AS in Nursing, Butler County Community College
• BS in Nursing, Wichita State University
• MS in Business Administration
• MS in Nursing, University of Phoenix
• EdD in Instructional Leadership (Nursing Education), University of Alabama (in progress)

What is your Role?​

 “I teach graduate level course in the Communicate Science and Disorders and have outpatient clinic in the WSU Speech and Hearing Clinic with graduate audiology students.”

What is your Story or Advice?​

“I found college to be my way up and out.  My Dad always wanted me to be able to take care of myself and believed college would offer me that security.  College has fulfilled those dreams and made my dad proud.”

Professional Background:

• BS in Speech & Hearing Science​, Texas Tech University​
• MA in Communication Disorder & Science​, Wichita State University​
• AuD in Audiology​, A.T. Still University

What is your Role?​

“I teach in the clinic with bother classes and Radiology to first year DH students.  I also teach online courses in the Bachelor Degree completion program.  I am the coordinator for professional development for both 1st and 2nd year students.”

What is your Story or Advice?​

“Growing up we went to a small town dentist.  He started asking me when I was going to come work for him when I was in middle school. I finally agreed to work for him when I was 16 as long as I did not have to work with spit.  He saw a personality that was empathetic and wanted to help everyone.  Answering phones and filing charts started to get boring so I started assisting him with patients.  I then applied to Dental Hygiene School and was accepted.  When I started failing classes in the DH program (20 years ago) one of my instructors and families response was “Maybe this is not what you are supposed to do, and maybe you should pick a different career”.  They meant well, they wanted the pain and struggle to stop for me.  Little did they know their response only made me want to be a RDH even more.  It ignited a fire in me and I was going to prove them wrong.  I knew I had test anxiety because studying in a group I could blurt out the answers, but when I went in a room to take the test I froze.  I worked with a counselor on many different exercises to improve my study skills and anxiety.  I wish there would have been more support for first generation students back then.  It all worked out and here I am.  I am extremely excited to be a part of the CHP First Generation community and eager to support students that may not have the family support they would like.  Never give up on your dreams and seek out support if you need it.”

Professional Background:

• BS in Dental Hygiene​
• MS in Criminal Justice​

What is your Role?​

“I teach graduate nursing course, but have also taught undergraduate nursing courses, have clinic experience in intensive care units; medical surgical nursing; Public health; management”​

What is your Story or Advice?​

“My main advice - going to school requires Persistence – show up for class and do assignments on time -you don’t have to get A’s in everything; network with your fellow student and know that it is always OK to ask questions, as well as meet/talk with your instructors.”​

Professional Background:

• BSN in Nursing​, University of Michigan​
• MN in Nursing​, University of Kansas​
• PhD in Nursing​, University of Colorado​

What is your Story or Advice?​

• I wish someone would have told me that there is no rule that you HAVE to finish your undergraduate degree in four years, especially if you’re paying for your education yourself. Loans are tempting and are encouraged, but I would have been so much better off had I took 1-1.5 years longer and saved up or paid cash. 
• My second piece of advice is not to limit your goals! I NEVER thought I would finish my undergraduate degree. I just kept “showing up,” and I figured someone would eventually find me out and tell me to go home. Fortunately, that day never came. After my BSN, I started thinking, “Well, if I did that, I wonder if I could go further?”. So far, no one has ever told me to quit showing up! Now I am studying at a Tier 1 research university, with faculty who have been internationally recognized for their work! 

Professional Background:

• BS in Nursing, Bethel College
• MS in Nursing Education, Fort Hays State University
• EdD in Instructional Leadership (Nursing Education), University of Alabama (in progress)

What is your Role?​

“I am CSD’s Academic Data Manager, a CHP Web/Social Media Team coordinator and Tech committee member.”​

What is your Story or Advice?​

“Never be afraid to ask questions and connect with faculty, staff, students and others. Networking is one of the most powerful things you can do to discover resources you may not otherwise know exist!”​

Professional Background:

• Emporia State University​, BS in Business Management​, Minor in Art​
• Wichita State University​, Mini MBA Certificate, Entrepreneurship, Professional Development courses, Leadership Academy Senior Fellow​

What is your Story or Advice?​

• My biggest piece of advice would be for students to find something outside of their major/career/field to be passionate about. While many admission committees like to see interaction within the given field, they also like to see the other things you devote time to. These can range anywhere from coaching a little league team, creating watercolor masterpieces, spending time at the local homeless shelter, and beyond. It is extremely helpful to have time where your "school brain" can rest and you can find fulfillment in other activities. Personally, this time helps me reset, refill my tank, and allows me to be ready for the next challenge of PT school! 

Professional Background:

• Kansas State University
  • BS in Kinesiology,
  • Pre-PT emphasis
  • Minor in Human Development/Family Science
• DPT in Physical Therapy, Wichita State University (in progress – 2nd year)

What is your Story or Advice?​

• There were, and continue to be, many times where I wanted to roll over and quit when things got difficult. I come from a single parent household, which I believe this has made me strong-willed and stubborn in many ways. I refuse to give up and I always want to make my family proud. I have had many obstacles put in my way, but just having the mindset of 'I can't give up, I've wanted this for so many years, I want to have a successful career' has gotten me through nearly 5 years of college. It takes ample amounts of perseverance, so I encourage others to use their hardships and challenges as motivators to not give up and keep pushing on. Who knows what may come of it the next time you try? I refuse to live on 'what if's' and I encourage others to do the same.  

Professional Background:

• BS in Kinesiology
• Physician Assistant, Wichita State University (in progress – 1st year)

What is your Story or Advice?​

• My name is Hailey Martinez. I am a first generation student at Wichita State. I will be graduating in Spring 2021 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, as well as completing my fourth year as a student-athlete on the softball team.  After I graduate, I will pursue a master’s degree with hopes of becoming a certified Speech-Language Pathologist.
• My advice to other first generation students is to engage in student involvement opportunities that WSU has to offer. This can help expand your knowledge, make connections, and diversify your resume.  For students interested in the CSD program, the Wichita State University Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association is a great club to join.

Professional Background:

• Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wichita State University (in progress)

What is your Story or Advice?​

• Hello, my name is Aiza Ortiz and I am a senior studying Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am a first generation student here at Wichita State! I also minored in music and was also involved in Shocker Sound for 2 years. I enjoy being very active at St Paul’s Catholic Student Center as well! My goals after graduation are to attend a graduate school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and work with the elderly (preferably at a stroke hospital) after I receive my masters degree.

• I would just tell any student coming into college to explore your options and do what intrigues you. You are welcome to be your own person. There are times that life will be hard, but the outcome is always worth it. Go Shocks!!

Professional Background:

• Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wichita State University (in progress)

What is your Story or Advice?​

• Don't be afraid. Whether it is asking a professor a question or asking a new classmate to study together, just do it! You won't regret it. Always, always, ALWAYS follow your dreams and pursue your goals. Never let someone tell you it's not possible or you will never get there. Have faith in yourself and your abilities because you can do absolutely anything!

Professional Background:

• AS in Pre-Health, Delta College
• BA in Kinesiology, Albion College
• DPT in Physical Therapy, Wichita State University (in progress – 2nd year)