Humans of Wichita State: Grad Edition - Alexander DeWerff

Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions

Alexander stayed close to home when he chose Wichita State and received a first-class education in the aerospace engineering program. With his degree in hand, he plans to travel and further his education abroad. His advice to future college students is to do just that - explore the world and enjoy the journey.

Hometown

Wichita (Bel Aire), KS

Degree received

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (with departmental honors), Minor in Mathematics

Why did you choose Wichita State?

I chose Wichita State because of its amazing hands-on applied learning opportunities, its many sources of financial aid, and because of the quality of the Wichita State College of Engineering and more specifically, the Aerospace Engineering department. Growing up with Wichita State in my hometown, I always felt at home on campus, and I saw no reason to try to find another great education out-of-state when I could stay right here, save money, and have an incredible experience. 

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

The Student Ambassador Society (SAS), Cru at Wichita State, American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Engineering Honors Society, and BEST Robotics.

How did being involved with the Student Ambassador Society/Shocker Navigator impact you?

Being involved with both the Student Ambassador Society (SAS) and Shocker Navigators was one of my favorite parts of my time at Wichita State. Through both, I was able to show my appreciation for and give back to the University. I was also able to help prospective students with their college search process and testify to the amazing opportunities here at Wichita State. When I was going through the college search process, I heard about everything from scholarships and internships to study abroad opportunities and student organizations. I never thought I would get to experience all of what I have, so I have loved showing other students that they could have these experiences too. I also gained a lot of good friends from all over campus through SAS - friends I hope to keep after graduation! I learned a lot about myself and working with others through SAS.

Which Wichita State faculty or staff member impacted you the most during your time here?

The NIAR Beech Wind Tunnel director, John Laffen, has been my boss for these last four years and impacted me the most. He has been an incredible mentor, both academically and professionally, and has a lot of experience and wisdom that he has shared. He has pushed me to pursue my academic and professional goals, and he has put me in contact with some of our industry partners. I've greatly appreciated his mentorship and insight. 

How do you feel about graduating?

Pinch me; I must be dreaming! High school feels like so long ago, but these four years seem to have flown by in a blink. It's like they say, "Time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana." I've been looking back with gratitude on all the memories now I have, the friends that I've made, and the experiences I lived. I'm excited to have reached this milestone!

Which experience at Wichita State challenged you the most and what did you take away from that challenge?

The first semester of my junior year challenged me the most. It was in that semester that I first had all Aerospace Engineering classes. All of them were equally important, all of them were equally hard, all of them had a personal or group project, and there was not enough time to do all that I needed for each class. On top of my classes, I was also working on campus part-time, finishing out my time in a leadership position in two student organizations, and mentoring my high school robotics team. If I was ever stretched thin in a semester, it was during that one. Somehow, managing to survive that semester taught me to value margin, and having space between my commitments and my physical, mental, and emotional limits. I realized when I don't have a margin, I have a hard time meeting my commitments. I also learned that saying "yes" to too many good things is a bad thing. Scaling back to the second semester of my junior year, I acted upon those lessons and had one of my healthiest semesters ever. I was much more able to engage in my classes, with my friends, in my work, and with my other commitments and I've tried to live by those lessons since.

What are your post-grad plans?

After taking time this summer to go backpacking around Colorado and the American Northwest and then learn Spanish at an immersive language school in Spain, I will head to the Netherlands where I will pursue my master's in Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology over the next two years. After that, I might try to get my Ph.D. before working in commercial aircraft design, but I'm going to take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey!

What advice would you give to incoming Wichita State students?

Take time for yourself; keep margin in your schedule. You'll find that you can save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress and be able to engage more in what you choose to do by doing these two things. Also, study abroad and/or learn a second language! There are so many opportunities to grow as a person and to explore the world during this stage of life, so take advantage of the opportunities Wichita State provides to help you grow. You'll meet so many new and incredible people and make amazing memories if you do.