John Kirk values the support and advice he received from people at Wichita State University
during his time as an adult learner.Courtesy photo
Meet a Shocker: John Kirk
April 24, 2023
By Strategic Communications
College of Fine Arts
On campus, fine arts students in every discipline can hone their skills and share
their talent, thanks to more than 500 annual performances, presentations and exhibitions.
Off campus, Wichita’s galleries, theatres and music halls give our students virtually
limitless opportunities to learn, network, exhibit and perform
John Kirk returned to college at Wichita State University to study vocal music and
dive into activities. He served as Student Body President and came to appreciate the
caring atmosphere at Wichita State. He plans to continue at WSU to earn his Master
of Education degree.
John is one of more than 2,200 students eligible for spring 2023 graduation. Learn more
about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Mesquite, Texas
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in vocal music with a minor in psychology and leadership.
What made you want to attend Wichita State?
I wanted to go to Wichita State because I loved that I was treated as a person and
not a dollar sign. The people at the university truly cared for me and what I was
trying to achieve.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
I am extremely grateful, but extremely excited at the same time because I’m about
to start graduate school at Wichita State.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
As an adult learner, the biggest obstacle was getting reunited with the college life
and knowing that I have the confidence to do things.
I overcame with all the positive reinforcement that I got from faculty and staff members.
They were always reassuring me that regardless of anything going on in my life I can
overcome anything if I keep a positive state of mind.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at Wichita State?
Having the opportunity to be in a many different leadership roles within the Student
Government Association gave me a lot of potential to continue my education, learn
more and how to apply that in my professional life.
The most rewarding and effective part was when I was student body president. It really
showed me how to continue my passion within student affairs and gave me the drive
to apply and be accepted to graduate school at Wichita State.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be getting married this summer and then going on my honeymoon. After that,
I will start graduate school (Master of Education in Educational Psychology: Higher
Education/Student Affairs) and my graduate assistantship in August.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
The biggest advice I will give any potential or current Shocker is to never give up
and never surrender. Regardless of what you’re going through, even if it is the darkest
part of your life, you can overcome it with the support of all the friends and family
that you make at Wichita State.
There were times that I wanted to drop out because I thought that I was a failure
and couldn’t continue. It’s OK to not be OK. Reaching out for support is always accepted
by all at Wichita State.
