Humans of Wichita State: Grad Edition – Lauren Hamilton

Lauren HamiltonPhoto by Matt Crow/Undergraduate Admissions
 

 

Hometown
Wichita, KS
 
Degree received
Marketing with emphasis in Real Estate and a minor in Management
 
Which organizations were you involved in?
Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Student Ambassador Society.
 
Why did you choose Wichita State University?
I chose WSU because of the people and staff. Since growing up on campus, it always felt like a home away from home. The staff is friendly and helpful, and that was something I was looking for. Wichita State also has an incredible real estate department, and I knew with that being my focus, I needed to utilize the resources close to me. 
 
How did being involved with the Student Ambassador Society impact your time at WSU?
Being in SAS was such a pivotal point in my college experience. When participating in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) and other events on campus before becoming a student, the SAS members made me feel so welcome and confident. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I can confidently say that many people have said the same about our senior class and me. Giving back to the incredible university and being involved with SAS has been rewarding and fun and has helped me make lifelong connections with members. 
 
Which Wichita State faculty or staff member impacted you the most during your time here?
I would say having my dad, Aaron Hamilton, on campus for all of my college years has been the biggest impact. No matter the problem, big decisions, stress or success, he was always there to help out and be a listening support and be in my corner. I am so proud of him and all of the work he has done for the Shocker Success Center, and hopefully, one day, I can impact people as he has.
 
I also want to thank Quinn Munk for being such an amazing mentor and advisor. She is so patient and helpful, and has taken over the role seamlessly. She is always so understanding and organized. I am beyond thankful for her and all she has done for us!
 
How do you feel about graduating?
It is definitely bittersweet. I am excited to not have homework anymore. It is a big change, and I think that is hard to wrap my mind around. I will miss all of the SAS events, being in my sorority, and the campus atmosphere. I am excited to get into my career and see where the future takes me. 
 
Which experience at Wichita State challenged you the most and what did you take away from that challenge?
I think being in my sorority and being able to serve two terms as president was the experience that challenged me the most. It was such an amazing leadership opportunity, and it made me realize that being a leader truly has an impact. People looking to you for help or advice, and being able to guide them in the right direction is so special. It was challenging since you have to essentially manage your peers. Learning that balance was a challenge. I also am someone who wants everyone to be happy, so having to learn some boundaries and being firm with people was a learning curve. 
 
What are your post-grad plans?
Get my real estate license and sell residential real estate here in Wichita!
 
What advice would you give to incoming students?
I would want incoming students to take advantage of their college years. It truly goes by fast, and the good memories and friends outweigh the studying and stress of school. I also would want people to be open-minded and talk to everyone they can. You never know if one conversation makes someone's day, so do anything you can to make others smile. 
 
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