Wichita State University
Peer Ambassadors
It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Keep pushing forward. The harder and longer you push through the semester the more success you will find.
About Me
Major: Bachelor of Science in Biology
David Smith, originally hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, has called Wichita, Kansas his home for the past 24 years. His childhood was marked by frequent moves across Missouri, Texas, Illinois, and Oklahoma, leading to a diverse and ever-changing educational experience. As the eldest of five siblings, David's journey has been one of responsibility and resilience.
David is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wichita State University. His aspirations lie in the field of conservation and public education about plants, gardens, and the significance of maintaining a home garden.
Outside of academics, David is an avid gardener, cook, and builder. He enjoys constructing models, Legos, birdhouses, and furniture—if it can be assembled, David is up for the challenge. Yard work is another favorite pastime, reflecting his love for the outdoors and hands-on activities.
Personal Motto
Falls Rock! Spring Drags… although very true in my experience this may be more appropriate, keep pushing and trying as long as you can, because it is easy to give up. It is easy to get hopeless and bogged down by the stresses of daily life coupled with class and work and kids and pets and mom, who keeps calling because the sprinkler from the yard is spraying the neighbor’s house and it needs to be adjusted…
What motivated you to return to WSU as an adult learner?
I decided to come back to WSU because I was tired of being beat up in the factory. I wanted to pursue a degree in something that interested me, and if I am so lucky to find a job that utilized my degree, double win.
What are some of your goals and how have you contributed to your community?
My goal when I enrolled at WSU was to create my own college experience and I would like to think I am fairly involved in campus life, mostly through tutoring via TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS), but I have been a Student Instruction (SI) leader, I have participated in marketing campaigns at Woolsey Hall, I have gifted my voice to McNair for a voice over on their recruiting video, I have participated in Online and Adult Learning (OAL) podcast and have been out with OAL and Chad S to help get prospective students enrolled at WSU.
Have you faced any significant challenges in your educational journey? How did you overcome them?
Every semester the biggest challenge that I face is time management. If someone needs tutored or a job done, I do it. That often means my schoolwork gets put on the back burner. I have been working on being better at managing my time. I have found that with class work, study groups help.
What advice would you give to other adult learners considering returning to WSU?
If you are thinking about coming back to WSU, what are you waiting for? Funding, we got people for that, don’t know how to come back, got people for that too. It is okay to be nervous or excited. It is a big step that comes with lots of change, but when your purpose is for self-betterment, it is all worth it in the end.