Out-of-State Shockers: Jenna Vilkas

New opportunities, instant friendships and a welcoming home are all words to describe Wichita State University. Throughout my academic career, I have always strived for excellence. I was born and raised in metropolitan Arizona, being surrounded by endless opportunities. However, when my family and I moved across the country to a small town in Nebraska, I found myself isolated from such experiences. And so, I turned my attention to college, hoping to find a university that fit all of my academic and social needs.

As I began my college search, I felt completely overwhelmed with all the steps. Standardized tests, applications, scholarship essays and several college visits seemed like an endless treadmill of checklists. To try to narrow down the hundreds of colleges within a twelve-hour radius, I settled on a specific engineering major. This removed practically all of the colleges in my state which resulted in difficulties with finances. College was a huge financial commitment, and being out of state only meant that tuition costs were even steeper for me. I started to feel desperate, unable to find an affordable college that was accredited in my major.

That was when my dad randomly recommended Wichita State University. I have to admit that I was originally skeptical. After all, I was hoping to attend school out west, somewhere nearer to my childhood roots. However, as I researched the university, I found myself intrigued by more and more of what Wichita offered. Also, the five-and-a-half-hour commute was much more reasonable than a plane flight out west. And so, I traveled down to Wichita with my family and took a tour. I went into that tour thinking that I would cross Wichita off of the list, just because I was so set on not going to school anywhere near Nebraska; however, the minute I set foot on campus, I knew that this college was special.

The dorms were beautiful, spacious and had plenty of layout options. The people were inviting, genuinely happy and always willing to answer our questions. I was blown away by the Innovation Campus, and just thinking of studying in the John Bardo Center stirred dreams that I did not know that I had. Their recreation centers were spacious and clean, and the Wiedemann Natatorium was especially appealing for a swimmer such as myself.

I loved how honest and upfront the students and staff were about life in Wichita. I knew what it would cost to attend, I knew what the buildings looked like, and I knew what the people were like. Nothing felt hidden or secretive.

After that campus visit, Wichita went from being almost crossed off to being at the top of my list. However, the decision was officially made during the Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering and the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational. On a fall weekend of my senior year, I participated in both of these scholarship competitions where I made instant friends, two of which ended up being my future roommates.

The scholarship competitions changed my life, for it created a strong bond with new people and convinced me to become a Shocker. It also provided me with the means to financially attend Wichita State. Being a Wallace Scholar is a huge blessing and an honor I do not take lightly. The other nine Wallace Scholars in my freshman class are amazing friends, and we all push each other to achieve our academic goals. And so, after only two visits to Wichita, I concluded that this was the college for me.

Transitioning into college was one of my biggest concerns. I was turning seventeen a week before classes began, and I was coming from a homeschool background. I was terrified of all the “what ifs” of college, thinking that I would not be able to keep up with the academics, make new friends or even find where my classes were located. But, the minute I moved into the dorms, I knew my worries were unfounded. Within the first week, I attended just a few of the constant events on campus, and I made at least a dozen friends. These people became my original support group which only grew larger after that first week.

As classes began, I found that I was more than academically equipped, and each professor was willing to work with me if I had questions. They were there to help, and always made me feel like the work was doable.

As an engineering major, I am often busy, but there is always time for other activities. I currently have an on-campus job, am a part of two clubs, and still have time for playing violin, meeting up with friends, going to the gym, and doing homework. The course loads are doable, and all it takes is a little faith in yourself to succeed here in Wichita. Every professor and staff member is helpful, and there are so many resources for students, such as tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions. As a freshman here, I know that I will continue to have plenty of support in the upcoming years, not only from my peers but also from my professors who take the time to know each of us by name.

Even though I am five and a half hours away from home, I never feel lonely or without support. My family and I make time to still talk and keep the connection. It is the perfect distance for me since it is far enough away for me to gain the natural independence of adulthood while also being only a day's travel away from my family.

There is an amazing environment on campus, one of great positivity, ample opportunities, and a rich culture. As a Shocker, you become a part of that environment, contributing to the events on campus. I have participated in so many fun experiences, including S’mores and Oars and Winter Welcome; however, one of my favorites was Clash of the Colleges. In this annual recreational event, the colleges strive for the champion title through field games. Since this event occurred during the first week of classes, it was an introduction to life in Wichita. Immediately I felt a sense of belonging, finding a home within the engineering college.

Attending Wichita State is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and this college has truly exceeded my expectations, providing me with the academic excellence I have been seeking throughout my life.

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