Introduce yourself! What's your name, major, and year in college?

My name is Noah Alexander. This is my senior year here at Wichita State. But this is only my second year here at WSU, I transferred in from Cowley County Community College.  I am a secondary education major. 

What inspired you to choose your major?

For me, I have always wanted to help people. The idea behind education is that I can help the student see the value in education and help them utilize their education to the best of their ability to make their future better and set them on a path to success. 

Tell us about your extracurricular activities or involvement on campus. What clubs, organizations, or events have you been a part of?

I am not a part of a ton on campus but something I have joined this year is Model UN. It has been one of the best choices I have made and have met some of the best people and learned so much about who I am as a person and what activities on campus would look like. 

What advice would you give to incoming undergraduates to make the most of their college experience?

Everyone tells you to get involved in your first year and to take advantage of the campus resources. But some of the best advice I can give to an incoming undergraduate is to wait and get your bearings in school. Clubs around campus will host events throughout the semester and it will allow you to focus on your transition into college and learn what the college can offer then in your second semester or your sophomore year take advantage of everything on campus once you know all the information and have transitioned into the college. 

Are there any professors or mentors who have had a significant impact on your college journey? If so, how?

There have been three professors on campus who have been mentors to me. The first was Dr. Ko who left at the end of last year. However, he was so helpful in developing me and growing my knowledge to help students with various needs. The second is Dr. Middlewood when I wanted to do something outside of teaching I emailed her and she told me everything about the club so I joined the club whenever I needed help and would talk about what I was teaching. She always had a resource for me to use. But by far one of the most helpful professors to me on campus has to be Dr. Rife. If I had a concern about anything he was always willing to make time for me to come ask questions about every class. Even if it was for a class that was not his. 

What are your future aspirations or career goals after graduation?

After graduation, I want to teach and pursue my master's degree in education. I have not decided what master's program I want to go to yet. I want to be able to teach AP courses to students. I have thought of also freelancing and teaching college courses at community colleges down the road but to start small teaching at my high school. 

Can you share a fun or unique fact about yourself that most people wouldn't know?

There are a few things that most people do not know. First is that I love rock climbing and every time I get the chance to I jump at the chance. Next, I enjoy hiking and have hiked two fourteeners (a mountain that is 14000 feet of elevation) and hiked 56 miles in 11 days in New Mexico. But the thing that made this all possible is the fact that I am an Eagle Scout.  

If you could go back and give your high school self one piece of advice about college, what would it be?

 I would tell my high school self to not overthink everything. I went into college at the height of COVID and I was so nervous to do anything or to take a risk and only did what was on my degree plan. But if I had not overthought everything I would have transferred with so many more credits and experiences. 

What has been your favorite part of your undergraduate student experience so far? 

The people I have had around me for my journey. The very first day Dr.Rife told the whole class to get to know each other and to be a support group. The 13 people I have in class and will be graduating with are the best 13 people I could ask for. We have become a family that is there for each other through everything and anything. They are the reason this journey has been so memorable and each and every one of them has made me glad I chose to be in this profession.