I had the privilege to be a Shocker Navigator for two years in the Office of Admissions. I loved this job because I got to see the joy that tours brought guests. Here are some of my favorite memories:

• On every tour, I tried to go to the echo circle between Jardine Hall and Duerksen Fine Arts Center. I always told guests if they stand in the middle and talk they will hear themselves echo. Some people would immediately run to the center and try it, but most didn’t believe me and took some convincing. Once they did it though the look of shock on their face would make the whole group laugh and then everyone would try it.
  
  

• One time I had a student tell me they were dead set on going to another school and went on the WSU tour because their parents made them, but after the tour, they fell in love with Wichita State and wanted to come here!
• I loved bringing groups to the Wu statue outside of the YMCA because I told them if you rub his nose, you get a year of good luck (true, by the way). Parents will use that as a photo opportunity and it’s cute to watch how excited they get to take a photo with Wu!

• At least 10 times I had someone tell me they were shocked at how big WSU was and how much we have to offer. I was surprised too when I visited as a high schooler! We have a lot more than some think!
• Most times when I opened the Shocker Hall tour room door I would hear audible gasps or “Oh my gosh you’re kidding!” from guests because the rooms are so nice.
  
  

• Legend has it, if you step on one of the three leaf clovers outside of Wallace Hall, you’re bound to marry an engineer. Sometimes navigators would tell this to middle school groups visiting and mention that engineers make a lot of money. The middle schoolers tend to run to the clovers after learning that!
• Spanish is my second language and I worked hard to learn how to do tours in Spanish. After my first one, I knew the work was worth it when I saw how helpful it was for the guests. I appreciate that our office offers accessibility for students wherever we can.
• On my very last tour as a navigator, I walked backwards into a parked truck. Not my best moment, but I’m sure the group thought it was hilarious.

From a navigator side, we’re lucky to be able to meet so many amazing people who visit campus. From a guest side, I promise there is never a boring tour. Navigators make sure tours are interactive, tailored to you, and fun. You’re missing out if you’re not visiting Wichita State!