Lydia Humphreys is a graduate advisor at ShiftSpace Gallery, a student-run art gallery in downtown Wichita. Her experiences there played an important role in her education and time at Wichita State University.

Lydia is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2022 graduation. Learn more about their time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad

Joplin, Missouri

My Degree is a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in painting.

I had several previous undergraduate professors attend here. ShiftSpace Gallery was a big incentive, as I love student galleries.

I'm so excited to be done with school and I'm excited to get started with my future career.

As a student, my biggest challenge was overcoming societally induced self-doubt. During my graduate experience, I did so much research and listened to so many feminist speakers that I feel more adequate understanding the challenges I face as a queer individual.

My most helpful learning experience has been through the work I did at ShiftSpace Gallery. I gained so many local connections and friends while learning leadership/managing skills, grant writing, getting involved with my local community, and so much more I could write you a paper.

After graduation, I will continue working on my Visiting Artist Grant with Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, while looking for a full-time job.

Covid-19 was hard as a graduate instructor, but I learned so much more about accommodating students according to their needs, and transforming my class structure to benefit the whole rather than the standard.

My best advice for future students is to understand your limits, as this was a big learning curve for me, and accommodate your schooling experience to those. Your well-being is the most important thing you have in life.