Following time at another university, Lilith Samples realized her hometown of Wichita was where she belonged and is now the first in her family to graduate from college. While at Wichita State University, she was able to work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall and hopes to continue in the profession after graduating.

Samples is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.

Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with minors in geology and history

Wichita

My academic journey wasn’t a straight line. After spending four years at another university, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. That’s when I turned to Wichita State University. From the moment I connected with my amazing advisor, I knew WSU was where I belonged. They worked closely with me to make the most of my transfer credits, and the anthropology department’s passionate and supportive faculty sealed the deal. Returning to Wichita also meant being close to my friends and family, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my success.

Balancing life as a full-time student while working multiple jobs has been one of my greatest challenges. Time management became my superpower. WSU’s 24-hour study spaces, the library and the incredible resources on campus gave me the tools to stay on track. My work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology provided not only valuable experience but also a supportive community that kept me motivated.

When I think about my favorite spots, on campus, it’s the serene Charles Grafly statue garden near the President’s Residence. It’s where I recently took my graduation photos, and I’m especially drawn to the Icarus-inspired bust. Off campus, the Sedgwick County Zoo holds a special place in my heart. As a child, I loved visiting with my sister and our grandfather to see “Mac & Cheese,” the vibrant Scarlet Macaws in the rainforest exhibit.

If my life were made into a movie, I’d want Nicola Coughlan to play me in an inspiring drama-adventure. It would be a story of growth, determination and a love for exploring new places and embracing new experiences.

Looking ahead, I dream of continuing my work in museums, gaining even more knowledge in my field while traveling the world and meeting incredible people along the way.

To current and future Shockers, my best advice is this: Have fun, make friends and savor every moment. College is not just about earning a degree; it’s about building a community, creating memories and shaping the experiences that will carry you into the rest of your life.

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.

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