Wichita State University
Elsie Hernandez
Elsie is a Transfer Admissions Represenetative for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She graduated from WSU with her B.S. in Health Management with minors in Spanish and Health Science. Her advice to future Shockers is to press save A LOT and to invest in a planner.
Nearly half of the student population at Wichita State identifies as first-generation. What is a first-generation student? At Wichita State, a first-generation (FGEN) college student is one whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree.
Below, you will find helpful tips for first-generation college students.
Manage your time wisely
Set priorities to help you determine what must get done -- whether it be academic or personal. Plan specific study times to keep up with assignments in each of your courses and take advantage of small amounts of time by listening to a taped lecture while you do your house chores or drive.
Also, invest in a planner to follow a schedule and know what you have going on day to day. This can include class times, study time, a work schedule and other commitments or reminders.
Get out of your comfort zone
Go to as many events as you can and try new activities alone or with friends. Get involved by joining student groups or clubs on campus. You’ll meet so many new and great, like-minded people!
Get academic support early
Take advantage of office hours to meet with your professors and discuss material you are having difficulty with. Utilize Supplemental Instruction (SI) if any of your classes offer it! It is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking certain courses. SI sessions are led by a student who has previously succeeded in the course and focuses on collaborative and active learning.
Utilize other campus resources
There are a plethora of staff on-campus designated to helping Shockers achieve their academic goals. You can find them in the Office of Financial Aid, Shocker Career Accelerator (SCA), Student Success, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Shocker Support Locker, Student Health Services, and SO MANY MORE!
Meet with an Academic Advisor
Advisors help you attain your educational and career goals as well as aid in helping you stay on track for graduation. Students entering WSU directly from high school start their academic advising experience with First-Year Advising through OneStop Student Services.
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Stop putting pressure on yourself to be the best. When you do, you feel better and produce better results. Even if you’re not where you thought you would be, if you are learning something in the process, then it is worth it. It’s the baby steps that matter!
Don’t neglect your mental health!
Learn to say "no." Time is a precious commodity and something to be guarded; put academics first. Recognize the strength in being vulnerable and seeking the care you need.
Remember that there are resources on-campus to help students succeed, and it is ok to ask for help. Wichita State University strives to ensure its first-gen students prosper while earning their degree.