Category: Meet a Shocker

For Diego Vargas-Ruiz, college life was trying to find a balance between academe, friends and personal health, but instead of trying to fight it, he took the challenge as an opportunity to optimize his responsibilities until he found his rhythm.

Following time at another university, Lilith Samples realized her hometown of Wichita was where she belonged and is now the first in her family to graduate from college. While at Wichita State University, she was able to work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall and hopes to continue in the profession after graduating.

Carter initially chose Wichita State University for its locality, being able to receive in-state tuition, but he also found a community in the campus and place to call home in the anthropology department in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. They are now graduating with their master’s in anthropology with a plan to enter a doctoral program in archaeology in the future.

Aynsley Paterson stepped out of her comfort zone, overcoming her introverted nature to build friendships and make the most of the Shocker experience.

Jose Miranda is a first-generation student who chose Wichita State for its exercise science program and to remain close to home. He is also a loyal Shocker basketball fan, so staying close to Charles Koch Arena mattered.

Yuki To is a first-gen student at Wichita State University who is currently graduating with her degree in health science, and with the help of the scholarships available to her at Wichita State, she is graduating debt free. She made sure to spend time on extracurricular activities and develop connections with other Shockers. Her advice to her peers: “Don’t be afraid to try.”

Josie Sloan is a first-generation college student who worked as bus driver for Wichita Public Schools while earning her degree in communication sciences and disorders.

Josie is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Hans Schrader plans on a career in museums, and he got his start at Wichita State University’s Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology.

Hans is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Abby Arbeiter was attracted to Wichita State University because of its creative writing program in the Department of English. Since attending WSU, she had the opportunity to travel to Europe thanks to the WSU Travel Seminar and will be graduating with her bachelor’s in creative writing this fall. Her advice to other Shockers? “Never be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Arbeiter is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Aracely Martinez is a first-gen student in the United States at Wichita State University. Despite the challenges facing her moving from Paraguay to a new country, she took that as an opportunity to grow. She recommends other students look at the opportunities available to them while still in school to propel themselves into successful careers.

Aracely is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.