“Trust the process” was the first lesson I learned in graduate school. Sure, it was taught in the ID 513 Design Thinking class but it’s also the reason I landed in the Master’s in Innovative Design program in my mid-30s in the first place. I often hear others asking if they’re too old to change careers, learn a new hobby, or go back to school. Maybe for some people but it is the exact right time for me.

I graduated from Wichita State in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship. I've always had a love of
learning but I didn't go straight to graduate school after college. Instead, I got a job at a print shop and worked my way up to Graphic Designer. I had a decent career but I wasn't passionate about my work. I felt like I was just going through the motions. That’s when I discovered the MID program at Wichita State. I visited the university for some more information and a week later I was enrolled in the program!

Here are some of the reasons why I chose to start graduate school at 36:

• I had more life experience. I have worked in the professional career world for over 15 years. This life experience gave me a better understanding of what I wanted to do with my education.
• I was more passionate about my education. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my Masters and I was excited to start working towards my goals.
• I was more focused and disciplined. I knew that graduate school would be challenging but I was confident that I had the skills and the motivation to succeed.

I’m halfway into my first semester and it's been a whirlwind of learning, creativity, and collaboration. The MID program is a unique and innovative program that teaches students how to design solutions for complex problems. One of the things I love most about the MID program is the emphasis on hands-on learning and the collaborative environment. The students in the program are incredibly talented and supportive, and I've learned so much from them already. We work together on projects, share ideas, and give each other feedback.

I am eager to learn what the rest of the MID program has to offer. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I am gaining in this program will prepare me for a successful design career. I look forward to continuing my education in different design disciplines and working on more real-world projects to gain experience designing solutions for complex challenges. If you're interested in a career in design, I highly recommend the Masters in Innovative Design program at Wichita State University. And if you’re worried about it being too late in life to pursue, take the leap and trust the process.

 

 

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Think Big.
Take Risks.
Make It Matter.