Graduate profiles provide success stories of program participants who graduated from Wichita State University. They share their academic success journey including worries, and hope for the future.
Age: 24
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, and Spanish Minor
How many years in SSS: 6.5 years
College Lessons Learned:
It is important to stay positive and keep going, even if you feel lost. Let God guide
you, and trust.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The SSS program impacted me by providing me with a support system.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
I received books, tutoring, and scholarship opportunities. All of these services were
very important to me, and they positively contributed to my time in college. SSS was
definitely a blessing.
How did you feel about your last semester?
My last semester was the toughest semester for me. However, I was finally able to
see the light at the end of the tunnel.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Rejection is protection. Separate the things that are important from things that are
not important.
Goals / Future plans:
I will continue to let God guide me, as well as get closer to God.
Age: 21
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Biology
How many years in SSS: 2.5 years
College Lessons Learned:
I have learned that self-motivation and determination are the key components of success
in College. You have to really know what you want to find passion in what you are
doing.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
SSS program has provided with a lot of opportunities and resources like individualized
tutoring, textbook rentals, advisors, the computer lab, and scholarship opportunities.
I don’t think I would have been as successful without SSS.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
I honestly think all of the services were important especially the individualized
tutoring and advising. I had one the best tutors that not only helped me academically
but helped show me my true potential!
How did you feel about your last semester?
I feel like I am ready to graduate but I am sad that I won’t be able to be a student
in SSS anymore. ):
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
I would tell them to definitely utilize all the resources you can get before it is
too late. They are very useful and will help you in the long run.
Goals / Future plans:
I plan on taking a class next semester to continue my education even though I am graduating.
I plan on working more as well and then applying to the PA program.
Age: 28
Hometown: Derby, KS
Degree: Sport Management, psychology
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
Time skills, text anxiety
How did the SSS program impact your life?
It helped me be more confident in myself and to ask for help when needed
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
YouTube videos and tutorials
How did you feel about your last semester?
Lot less stressful, more enjoyable when doing my internship
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Use the materials and help to your advantage, SSS is there to help, so don’t be afraid
to ask for it.
Goals / Future plans:
Grad school for sport management
Age: 23
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Marketing
How many years in SSS: 2
College Lessons Learned:
Organizational skills, I learned that teamwork makes the dream work!
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The program helped me give other resources to use on campus such as the testing center.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Advising
How did you feel about your last semester?
It was good
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Stay focused and motivated! You’ll get there one day!
Goals / Future plans:
I want to own a business, and build a non-profit organization that gives back to the
community
Age: 22
Hometown: Vietnam
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration
How many years in SSS: 4.5
College Lessons Learned:
Plan and set goals
How did the SSS program impact your life?
SSS program helped me a lot, not only aid me with all the necessary supplies like
textbooks, laptops etc. But, also leading me toward the right direction to achieve
my academic goals.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Advising, tutoring and textbook checkout and also the computer check out.
How did you feel about your last semester?
I’m doing pretty good in my last semester, I’m able to balance my school work with
my outside work schedule.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Plan ahead, put down important dates like test days, finals, projects etc., and have
a plan.
Goals / Future plans:
Working for a CPH firm.
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
Degree: Open Emphasis Communication
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
DON’T PROCRASTINATE
How did the SSS program impact your life?
It helped me to finally pass college algebra.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Tutoring for college algebra.
How did you feel about your last semester?
This semester was the best one of my whole college career.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
DON’T PROCRASTINATE and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Goals / Future plans:
Get a master’s or law degree.
Hometown: Salina, Kansas
Degree: Communication Sciences and Disorders
How many years in SSS: 1
College Lessons Learned:
Responsibility, Accountability
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Help from advisors and printing services
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Printing and advising
How did you feel about your last semester?
Ready to be done! It was a great semester
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Fill out a planner and stay on top of your priorities
Goals / Future plans:
Attend graduate school to become a Speech Pathologist
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Liberal Arts and Science
How many years in SSS: 7 years
College Lessons Learned:
Time management.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Helped me with books and tutoring.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Computer lab, and tutoring.
How did you feel about your last semester?
Like it is finally over.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Try to find time to go to the college events.
Goals / Future plans:
Get certified as a EEF Lab technician.
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Exercise Science
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
One main lesson I learned is not to be too involved on campus. I got really worked
up and became heavily involved that my grades started slipping. Once I let all that
go, I was able to focus on schoolwork more and my grades significantly got better.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
This program impacted my life because I felt that throughout college, I had someone
to go to if I had any problems. I met with my advisor monthly (or more if needed)
and I would get lots of good advice from her. In this program, I really took advantage
of the free resources that were being provided. Everything in this program helped
enhance my overall college experience.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
The textbook lending library and the free printing were resources that were very helpful
to me. This helped me save so much money in the long run. Another service that I benefited
from greatly was the individualized tutoring sessions I had for Chemistry. Lastly,
the exclusive SSS scholarship was the biggest blessing to me as I got scholarships
several semesters.
How did you feel about your last semester?
My last semester was very laid back since I was doing my internship along with 2 online
classes. I know I will end up with straight A’s this semester!
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
I would tell them to always put academics and mental health first. It’s very important
to meet with your advisor because it gives you a chance to talk to them about your
worries and they can give you lots of valuable advice. Definitely take advantage of
the exclusive scholarship opportunities! The scholarships I received relieved me from
the financial burden I was having.
Goals / Future plans:
My next goals include taking required classes nursing school then applying in December!
Hometown: Wichita, KS.
Degree: Psychology/Spanish
How many years in SSS: 2 or 2 ½ years
College Lessons Learned:
Study of your exams, ask for help, & do not let things last minute.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The SSS program impact my life by keeping up with me throughout my journey. All the
support in financial aid, and always being there for me. By providing boos, financially,
training, advising, and much more that are not words to explain it.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Advising, training, financially, books, and the fact that the SSS gave me the opportunity
to be part of a such well organization.
How did you feel about your last semester?
It felt great because it means I have accomplished what I started and what I like.
Also, it feels unreal because it is the end of something, but the beginning of something
new.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Don’t leave studying last minute, be prepared and aware of all opportunities in campus
and inform yourself about everything because that way you don’t miss anything and
apply to SSS.
Goals / Future plans:
I’m planning on going to grad school, for counseling psychology program and work full
time.
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: BFA in Graphic Design
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
- When you speak up and let people know you’re struggling, you get the help you need
- Tutoring benefits your success by challenging you beyond your assigned work
- Renting textbooks over purchasing them saves time and money
- Packing a lunch is cheaper than buying lunch on-campus
How did the SSS program impact your life?
- The SSS program provided affordable options for textbooks and printing when I was in need. I could print off any papers in the computer lab, and request a variety of textbooks for my courses. Without their assistance, a lot of these books would have cost me a lot out of pocket.
- Being provided different resources and a separate academic advisor really helped me think about my goals in relation to my currect circumstances, whether it be working 2 jobs while going to school full-time. The support and encouraging emails let me know that someone cared about my success and wanted to help me do better.
- I wanted to graduate on-time and needed to take summer classes to lighten up my load during my senior year. I was worried about finding financial aid during the summer and fortunately, I was successful to receive a scholarship from SSS to help me out that summer.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
SSS provided a free tutor for my Physics class. I had an interest in Physics since
high school, but did poorly and didn’t retain as much information in high school.
With my tutor, he challenged me, and helped me study different problems (that were
never assigned by my teacher) that always ended up being on my tests. He gave me the
confidence and skillset to be successful in a class that was one of my biggest challenges.
I ended up with an A and always recommend the SSS Office to other students that are
low-income, along with guided them through the application process.
How did you feel about your last semester?
I feel very busy, but I feel very successful. My last semester feels like a breath
of fresh air because I don’t have to worry about what my financial aid will look like
for another school year, I don’t have to worry about my semester schedule, I can look
forward to taking time for myself to find a job in doing what I love. Without SSS
I wouldn’t feel as prepared for graduation, if it weren’t for the scholarships, free
resources, and free tutoring services that they offer. I am very grateful and consistently
recommend their office and the program to anyone that I know.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
As long as you are a part of SSS, use the variety of resources to help you be successful.
Everyone in the office is very friendly and concerned about your success as a student.
You are a part of SSS for a great reason, to be successful, to get academic help,
and to find like-minded people like you that have the drive to go to college and better
your future.
Goals / Future plans:
After college, I am planning on staying in Wichita where I have received a variety
of opportunities to do freelance illustration work as a graphic designer. While I
don’t have a job lined up, I have multiple creative opportunities that I am working
on the side, until I land a full-time salary position.
Hometown: Hutchison
Degree: Anthropology
How many years in SSS: 1 year
College Lessons Learned:
How to be a better student and take my studies seriously
How did the SSS program impact your life?
I got a lot of excellent advising which has given me new ideas for my future
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Advising, computers, and printing access
How did you feel about your last semester?
I enjoyed it and even made the dean’s honor roll
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Look into all of the services offered and take advantage of them.
Goals / Future plans:
Moving to a big city (Seattle or Chicago), pursuing meaningful work, possibly pursing
a master’s degree in a year or so
Hometown: Liberal
Degree: Social Work
How many years in SSS: 1 year
College Lessons Learned:
The friendships you made in college have such a positive impact in your everyday and
your classmates become your biggest supporters and believers.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Offering book rental that have ease the burden financially for my pockets while being
a student at WSU.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Guidance/Book Rental
How did you feel about your last semester?
Nervous, excited, but ready to be a 1st generation graduate and make my family and friends proud.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Do it right the first time, because returning to college at an older age is much harder.
Goals / Future plans:
Get my BSW and get a “real job” pursue a master degree
Hometown: Wichita
Degree: B.A. in International Business
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
Don’t just learn, but start implementing and using what you learn.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
To be honest I did not participate much in SSS, and I probably would have benefitted
more if I did. My last year with the program did prepare me for my post-graduate life,
so I can exit with more confidence.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Career counseling. Having someone available to review my resume, cover letters and
getting tips about things I haven’t thought about.
How did you feel about your last semester?
It was great. I only took 8 credits.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Whatever you hope to do in 2 or 3 years, start looking at them as if you’re going
to do it now. Internship requirements, scholarship essay prompts, whatever it may
be, it’s most likely going to be the same or similar when you actually apply. Don’t
miss deadlines and give yourself plenty of time and the competitive edge by starting
early.
Goals / Future plans:
I hope to eventually be able to work in an international field, where I can help
facilitate business between countries.
Hometown: Wichita
Degree: Biomedical Engineering (BS)
How many years in SSS: 6 years
College Lessons Learned:
Number one: do not procrastinate and manage your time. Number two: complete classes
successfully the first time.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Holding me accountable and providing me with support and encouragement.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Tutoring, advising, and free printing – all of these helped me tremendously. Also,
technology check out when my laptop stopped working.
How did you feel about your last semester?
Great! I’m so excited to finally be done!
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Know what you want to major in. I switched my major three times and had to take a
few courses over which wasted a huge amount of time. Stay focused and try to successfully
complete courses the first time.
Goals / Future plans:
My goal is to land an engineering job outside of Kansas. I want to own a few businesses
throughout the country and become my own boss.
Hometown: Wichita
Degree: Social Work
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
The time you spend in college goes by fast. This is truly a time to learn and make
memories.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
SSS helped me so much. I was able to get a scholarship through the program, I borrowed
books and technology, and I even got a job at the office. It’s been a great resource
for me!
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
- Printing for free
- Books & technology rentals
- Tutoring
- Technology Lab
- Student Lounge
How did you feel about your last semester?
It went super-fast! It also wasn’t as stressful as I thought it was going to be.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
Use your resources and don’t be afraid to take chances.
Goals / Future plans:
I’m going to get my masters in social work right after graduating. I hope to get
a good job once I’m done with my masters.
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Psychology
How many years in SSS: 6
College Lessons Learned:
There were two important lessons that I learned from being in college. The first lesson
was about time management because it helped me a lot when I am balancing my school,
work, and personal life. The second lesson is about figuring out my life because I
didn’t know what I was working towards when I started college. After being in college,
I am heading towards what I really want to do in my life.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The SSS program has changed my life for the better. It has helped me a lot when I
was having trouble in school and it has taught me life skills that I will need after
I graduate. I also developed great memories from being part of SSS because it changed
a lot when I first started the program.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
One of the services that I received from the SSS program is meeting with my advisor.
It was important to me because it was nice to talk to someone about my academic goals.
Another service was the technology lab because it is a great place to study for my
classes and to meet other people in the program.
How do you feel about your last semester?
I feel relieved that I am almost done with this part of my education because it felt
like a lifetime when I first started college. I also feel excited because I will be
moving onto the next phase of my life where I will be continuing my education and
working in my career field.
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
Advice I would give to Freshmen SSS students is to figure out what you want in life
because now is a great time to know what interests you and try testing them out. Even
if you are unsure about your interests, take one small step and start with one interest.
Goals/Future plans:
After graduation, I am planning to take a gap semester or gap year because I need
a temporary break from school. After my break, I plan to go back to school for my
associates degree. After I complete it, I will either go for my master’s degree in
psychology or start working in my career field.
Hometown: Kansas City, KS
Degree: Marketing with minors in Ethnic Studies and Management
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
Go out and get involved. Find the thing you are passionate about and work hard at
it.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Scholarships and printing. Also, the one-on-one advising led me to joining my organization
and just completely changed my college experience.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Scholarships and printing. I really enjoyed the one-on-ones with Mr. John and Ms.
Charity.
How do you feel about your last semester?
I am just so in awe. I worked my whole life to attend college and here I am about
to graduate.
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
Go out and get involved. Find your support system at WSU. It is essential.
Goals/Future plans:
To work at a digital marketing firm. To travel and see as much as I can.
Hometown: Liberal, KS
Degree: Social Work
How many years in SSS: 1
College Lessons Learned:
The friendships you make in college have such a positive impact in your everyday and
your classmates become your biggest supporters and believers.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
Offering book rentals that have eased the burden financially for my pockets while
being a student at WSU.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Guidance/Book rental
How do you feel about your last semester?
Nervous, excited, but ready to be a 1st generation graduate and make my family and friends proud.
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
Do it right the first time, because returning to college at an older age is much harder.
Goals/Future plans:
Get my BSW and get a “real job”; pursue a Master’s degree
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Psychology
How many years in SSS: 4
College Lessons Learned:
Checking in with your SSS advisor is super helpful!
How did the SSS program impact your life?
When I am running into trouble SSS advisors are there to help. SSS helped me stay
on top of my big day.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Time management is one of the most important tips I got from SSS.
How do you feel about your last semester?
My last semester I feel stressed out. I am worried about so much things, it makes
studying so hard for me.
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
Check in with your SSS advisor every month. It will help you figure out your path.
Goals/Future plans:
Go to Graduate school so I can be a counselor in the future.
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Bachelor of General Studies Major; Women Studies
How many years in SSS: 6
College Lessons Learned:
College taught me about stumbling blocks. Just because you fall short of your anticipated
grade. Try again until you succeed. Preference is the key to success.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The SSS program helped me to stay focused. The periodic updates were reminders of
the goal I had set. They were a great resource and sounding board. Someone I could
share confidential information with.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
Counseling, tutoring, textbooks, and laptop loan.
How do you feel about your last semester?
Wonderful.
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
Stay connected and be committed. SSS is here to help you achieve your goal.
Goals/Future plans:
My degree is a goal that I set for myself. It was my desire to return to college and
earn a college degree because I deserved it.
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration Major: Accounting
How many years in SSS: 2
College Lessons Learned:
One of the most important lesson learned in college were to work hard for what you
want and never give up.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
The SSS program impacted my life my helping me by providing me with the resources
I needed to be successful during my college career.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
The most important resource would have to be the computer lab. I visited the computer
lab almost daily. It provided me a quiet place to study. And also, the printing resource
was tremendously helpful. I did not have a printer at home and with this resource
I was able to print out my notes, and papers. I was also lucky enough to receive some
scholarships from SSS.
How do you feel about your last semester?
My last semester has been pretty relaxed, my class load is extremely light, and I
am ready to graduate!
What advice would you give to Freshmen SSS students?
The advice that I would give to Freshman SSS students would be to use the resources
available. Also, to seek help when needed, the counselors are great and are always
willing to help.
Goals/Future plans:
My career goals include to become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Hometown: Winfield, KS
Degree: Marketing & International Business, Minor in Management
How many years in SSS: 3
College Lessons Learned:
I have to learn to relax and have fun at a certain point. Yes, I still have to work
hard and be responsible but every once in while, everyone has to take some time for
themselves or they will just burn out. Self-care and being mentally healthy is so
very important.
How did the SSS program impact your life?
I didn't join any clubs or sororities on campus, mostly for the dues and also because
I just didn't have time between school, work, family, and friends. Trio SSS truly
made me feel like I had a little bit of family on campus. Though I didn't attend many
workshops or Friday's I knew I always had a source for answers and people helping
find scholarship opportunities which is what I needed and valued the most.
What services did you receive from the SSS program that were important to you?
The scholarships helped me immensely. The academic side of school has always come
fairly naturally I think because I have a real interest in learning but as a first
gen, the finances are such a burden mentally and physically when I have to work full
time with a full-time school schedule. The scholarships helped lighten this load for
me. The free printing also helped so much, the root cause being the cost to print
other places. The financial literacy modules are a hidden gem. I learned so many things
my parents just aren't aware of.
How did you feel about your last semester?
It is just a crazy beautiful mess. It is by far the hardest semester I've had but
at the same time, the most rewarding. My whole senior year has been the most interesting
and engaging because at this point in the business school you've learned all the ground
work and you really get to think critically about the big picture ideas because the
past years you've learned all the little pieces that make it up.
What advice would you give to Freshman SSS students?
- EVERYTHING builds off of your gen eds. Don't be fooled into thinking they aren't
part of your major so you just have to get through them!
- Seeing a therapist is not just for deeply troubled people. Sometimes a professional
who is not a part of the situation can help you through things truly holding you back
from being happy, healthy, and more productive towards your goals in life. We have
great therapists on campus that are extremely affordable for students.
Goals / Future plans:
I want to make a comfortable enough income that I can live generously towards others.
I would love to be an international marketer one day doing research or consulting
and I think after I've worked in the public, profitable sector long enough I would
like to start or help lead a non-profit. In my personal life, after graduation I want
to delve back into my hobbies I've had to put on hold for college, such as playing
musical instruments, cooking actual meals (rather than frozen dinners), and kickboxing
for exercise.