From the beginning of my college search, I knew that I wanted to get away from home. Both of my sisters went to schools four-plus hours away from our hometown of Eureka, Missouri. When looking at schools, my top priority was finding a school that was going to be able to support my academic goals as well as my social desires.

I first found Wichita State because I liked their forensic science program. However, being more than a six-hour drive from home my dad told me I had to make sure I was really interested in WSU if we were going to make the drive to come tour the school. Once I was on campus, I was introduced to so many kind individuals who were part of diverse areas of campus; whether it be the admissions office, student engagement, academic advisors, or current students. I instantly adored Wichita State but had multiple other colleges on my list to consider.

As my senior year began, I received flyer information in the mail from WSU about their annual Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI). I spent hours filling out my application and writing and editing essays with my dad in the living room, often into the late hours of the night. Eventually November came around and it was time to compete in DSI. On the way there I read scholarship tip books and rehearsed questions with my dad in the car. Once on campus, nerves took over me as I looked around at all of the brilliant, qualified candidates surrounding me. I remember telling my dad that I thought there was no way I would be chosen out of over 600 students; however, he reminded me that I wasn’t losing anything by competing and if I acted like myself, the judges would sure to like me. As the day progressed, I continuously went back to what my dad said to me, making sure to showcase who I was and enjoy the fun filled afternoon.

As the months went by, I continued to return to Wichita State for different milestones in the DSI competition; such as Gore Core and finalist callbacks. Each time that I came back I began to fall deeper in love with Wichita State, becoming familiar with the city, finding clubs and extracurriculars I wanted to join, and meeting other kids my age who were planning on attending WSU in the fall.

By the end of January, my many hours of travel, long nights of writing essays, and doing interviews paid off as I was named one of three 2024 Gore Scholar Recipients. I remember my disbelief in the fact that I would ever be offered an opportunity as astounding as this, especially with the reservations I held against myself so early in the competition. Wichita State University was always my number one choice for college; however, it was the experience of DSI that set my decision in stone. And as I flew back home to Saint Louis, I knew I had found my future home.

College can be a big change for everyone, whether they are moving away 30 minutes from home or 7 hours away from home. Everyone feels nervous, whether they are willing to admit it or not. But no matter where you’re coming from, Wichita State University holds a place for everyone to be able to fit in and find your home.