Wichita State University is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren't able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Anna Heacock, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about her first-gen experience.

Festus, Missouri

Nursing; Doctor of nursing practice - family nurse practitioner

Senior

My parents really prioritized getting further education, so it feels good to know that I was the first in my family to get a college degree and make them proud. 

I had constant support throughout all the ups and downs of nursing school from my parents. They encouraged me throughout the whole process. 

I would give first-gen students advice to make sure you stay involved during school. When you make a point to stay involved, you can meet people that can help you along the way. I met a great group of friends that way, and I also met many connections that later helped with finding a job. 

I currently work as an emergency room nurse, but I hope to work in the emergency room as a nurse practitioner once I graduate from Wichita State.

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.