Student Week Spotlights

I am currently pursuing a major in Management Information Systems with a minor in Economics, and I graduate with my bachelor's degree in May. In the upcoming fall semester, I will also be pursuing a master's degree in Economics and Quantitative Analysis at WSU. I am an undergraduate research assistant for the Behavioral Economics Lab here at WSU, a position I started about a year ago, in which I have been able to learn about research methodology, data analysis, and a ton of other new and interesting concepts. I am interested in rapidly developing technological tools like machine learning and natural language processing, and how they can be used to analyze (or even influence) individual decision-making and market dynamics. I went to school in a small town called Cottonwood Falls in Chase County, KS where I was part of a graduating class of only 29 students. Otherwise, when I have time I like reading, music, traveling, board games, and spending time with my friends or nieces and nephews.

What made you decide to get your bachelor’s degree as an adult learner?

I worked for the 2020 census as a field manager and found a lot of joy in utilizing data to help with decision-making. Specifically, for a while I worked on improving systems to keep track of applicants through the hiring process to help us pinpoint geographic areas in which we were lacking early enough that we could still adapt hiring efforts. It was because of this experience that I decided to pursue further education as an adult learner to learn how to better use technology to solve problems.

What have you found to be an advantage of being an adult learner?

One potential advantage is at least a marginally better understanding of my strengths and 'not-so-strengths' compared to pursuing my education at a younger age. I've learned to allow myself extra time (and patience) for things that don't come naturally to me.

What has surprised you along your educational journey?

I've been surprised and thrilled by the overall level of support. As a WSU Tech student before and a WSU student now, I have always been surrounded by amazing teachers, mentors, and individuals whose mission is to help students adjust and excel. It helps to know that there are people who want to see you succeed and connect you with resources to help.

What advice do you have for prospective adult learners?

If you study or do homework at home, create a separate designated study space (or go to the college to study if you are able). Having a separate space helps me get, and stay, focused on the tasks at hand.

How do you balance the myriad of responsibilities you have?

The truth is I am still pretty far from mastering this particular skill. That said, I have two primary strategies: the first is keeping an up-to-date calendar to keep track of classes and events (either a planner with a calendar or a smartphone app; Outlook calendar will work), and the second is a prioritized to-do list (mine has a separate section specifically for assignments due).

Once you obtain your degree, what is your dream job?

I would like to go on to teach at the college level and conduct research. Aside from that, I think assisting with government analysis and policy decisions to help minimize harm and expand societal benefits could be a really challenging and rewarding direction.

I am 37 years old, married for 17 years, with 2 boys aged 8 and 14. I have taken classes over the years towards the goal of achieving a bachelors degree but decided to buckle down and finally finish! I work full time for a non-profit organization, planning and executing meal packaging events across the United States and I also design, build, and install water purification systems in developing countries across the world, mostly in Tanzania. I am on the board of a local homeless initiative, and am heavily involved with Rotary International with an emphasis on raising funds and awareness for their efforts to eradicate Polio forever!

Why did you choose an online program?

I work full time with a hectic travel schedule that would never allow me to attend classes in person regularly. I also have kids and doing an online program allows me to spend time with them, while focusing on my class work when they are sleeping.

What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?

Flexibility. I travel extensively and being able to work on course work from a hotel room on the other side of the country (or world) makes it possible for me to finish my degree.

What surprised you most about the online learning environment?

It is more difficult when you have a question about a subject and you are working on it at 4 AM, but the professors have been great about responding in a timely manner.

What advice do you have for prospective online students?

Don't save your homework for the last minute. Set a schedule to work on it a little bit at a time, and chip away. If you wait till the end, there is no time for questions.

How do you balance work, family, and school?

Coffee. Lots and lots of Coffee.

What do you plan to achieve with your degree?

Not sure yet. I already have the job that I want, but if life ever changes it would be nice to have that piece of paper to back up all of my lived experience

With fifty-five years of life experience under my belt I bring a wealth of wisdom and perspective into every situation. As a proud native Kansan my roots run deep. Pursuing a social work major reflects my passion for helping others, and my commitment to make a positive impact in the lives of those Kansans who need it most. Embarking on this educational journey at Wichita State University has filled me with excitement and gratitude and I eagerly embrace new opportunities for learning and growth. Throughout my life I have found that every challenge is an opportunity and every person I meet adds a unique chapter to my ongoing story. I approach each day with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a dedication to making a difference in the world, one day at a time.

What made you decide to get your bachelor’s degree as an adult learner?

I have always wanted to go to college. After I got custody of my grandchildren, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful and I have always wanted to be a social worker.

What have you found to be an advantage of being an adult learner?

I think the biggest advantage is that I know how important this endeavor is not only to me but to my family. I don’t take one thing for granted.

What has surprised you along your educational journey?

How supportive and helpful everyone has been at WSU. At first I felt like a stranger in a strange land! In no time at all through the help of the Adult Learning Office and other resources on campus I know I never have to do this alone.

What advice do you have for prospective adult learners?

Just Do It! If higher education is your dream and it doesn’t seem possible I assure you it is. There is never a time when I’ve had a problem that the faculty and staff haven’t been right there with a solution. You belong here, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

How do you balance the myriad of responsibilities you have?

Another advantage with WSU is that I can take classes on campus or online or both! I schedule classes around my obligations as a single grandma working and raising kids. It’s not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Once you obtain your degree, what is your dream job?

I want a job that allows me to share my experience, strength and hope with others in my community. I would love to work with justice system affected women and families to help break cycles of oppression and poverty. Most important to me is a healthy work life balance.

 

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Hello, I'm Jason VenJohn. I am a para at Winfield Middle School and a long-term sub at Winfield High School. I work with 6th graders in various classrooms and high school Freshmen in a class called Success 101 (Freshmen Life Skills). I entered the TAP program to obtain my teaching license and further help the students in the school district. I also Coach high school girls' basketball, middle school track, and several of my children's youth sports. I have a wonderful family. My wife Sarah works at the high school as a math teacher and a Success Coach, and my three children are in the 8th grade, 6th grade, and kindergarten.

Why did you choose an online program?

I chose the online program because of its convenience in balancing my busy work and family schedule, working in middle and high school while coaching and balancing family life. It has been vital to be able to do all of the classes online to keep up with everything.

What was the most important benefit provided by your online program?

The most important benefit is the convenience of being able to communicate with professors and being able to share with fellow classmates the struggles and triumphs we all face.

What surprised you most about the online learning environment?

My biggest surprise has been the support available to online students. My professors, Success coach, and various TAP advisors have been helpful in my journey to obtaining my teaching license.

What advice do you have for prospective online students?

The most significant words of advice that I have for online students are "patience" and "time management." First, patience is for the fact that everything will not be done at once. You must have patience to endure the long road to get your degree. Time management is also going to be crucial to balance everything. You can do it, but you must set aside time for school work, your job, and, most importantly, yourself and your family.

How do you balance work, family, and school?

It is a delicate balance to balance everything I have going on. I have a great support system in my wife, Sarah. My children have also been great working through our busy schedules. I also have had great support from the schools I work in from teachers and administration.

What do you plan to achieve with your degree?

I plan on working full-time at a USD District and helping students grow and learn to the best of my ability.