After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. She has grown up in Wichita and feels loyal to the university. 

Emma is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for this future nurse. 

I will be receiving my Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

I chose Wichita State because it has a program with WSU Tech where I could take prerequisite classes for my nursing degree prior to my entrance into the program. A lot of my friends chose to attend Wichita State as well. 

Overall, this year has been challenging to everyone, especially healthcare professionals and frontline workers. I've never felt prouder and more excited to become a nurse. As I look back on my time at Wichita State, I am grateful and amazed that all the work went by quickly. 

My most helpful learning experience was the support and kindness teachers have shown me. I had teachers who encouraged me, pushed me and helped me learn in the best ways possible. Wichita State has a lot of opportunities for future healthcare professionals to get involved in the community, which has been rewarding. 

My biggest challenge as a student was gaining my confidence and putting all the pieces of my degree together. Nursing is a complex profession and Wichita State has helped me learn holistically. Gaining confidence in my skills took time but is important.

My plans after graduation and after taking the NCLEX (my licensure exam) are to start my job as a registered nurse in the burn and pediatric intensive care units at a local hospital. I can't wait to provide compassionate and excellent care to my patients. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged my time at Wichita State because there were several changes. I lost valuable clinical time, and my in-person classes shifted to Zoom. I know it's been hard for so many students, but I know we will rise up better than before.

I would tell other students at Wichita State that it's worthwhile to work hard and have integrity. Kindness is never wasted and choosing to love with truth is needed. I would tell them to get connected to friends who can support you and be a support system for others.