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Meet a Shocker: Emily Reese, education and biological science major

May 8, 2020
By Madison McCalla, marketing intern

College of Applied Studies

When it comes to producing qualified educators, athletic trainers, exercise scientists and sport management professionals—nobody offers more than Wichita State's College of Applied Studies. We combine nationally accredited programs, exclusive scholarships and unmatched applied learning opportunities to give our students everything they need to build bright futures.

Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

 The Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a range of degrees combined with the resources and applied learning opportunities found in Kansas' largest city—equipping our graduates for successful careers almost anywhere.

 

Madison is a senior studying Strategic Communication in the Elliott School of Communication.

She is a marketing intern in the Office of Strategic Communications and appreciates all the hands-on experiences WSU offers to students. 

 

Emily Reese plans to teach biology full time after graduation at a local high school. While in college she's been actively involved in her sorority, Tri Delta and has enjoyed her time studying in the College of Applied Studies. 

Emily is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

What is your degree in?

I am getting my Bachelors of Arts in education and biological sciences.

What led you to Wichita State University?

I chose Wichita State for scholarship opportunities and I loved the campus community. It's very close-knit while still a large student body of students.

How are you feeling leading up to graduation?

I am excited about graduation, but it is a little weirder with online classes leading up to it. It’s also hard not getting to really say goodbye to friends and professors beforehand.

What are your career plans?

For career plans, I am starting in the fall as a high school science teacher and am very excited about it.

Has the COVID crisis altered those plans, if at all?

My plans were luckily solidified before COVID-19, however it did cut my student teaching short which is a big requirement of the program. I’ll still be able to be licensed at least.

What advice do you have for other students on how to cope with the uncertainty of these times?

My best advice is to keep up some form of schedule. Even if it is sleeping until noon and only working for a few hours a day on classwork, do what you need to do to get through this weird time. It's been helpful for me to go outside every day as well. 

What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at WSU?

My most helpful learning experience has definitely been student teaching. I love the College of Applied Studies because we get the chance to be really hands-on in our programs. For biology, the labs were the best learning experience because it was a smaller setting where we got to do tasks that are really done in the field.

What was been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was having uncertainty halfway through college about what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. I had no idea what to do with my degree. To get through it, I focused on my biology classes and looked at what parts I enjoyed the most and careers I would enjoy and I landed on teaching!

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