Angel Dao used her time at Wichita State to develop professionally and make connections within the industry she plans to pursue as a career while finding time to care of her mental health.
Angel is one of more than 2,200 students eligible for spring 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Wichita
Degree
Bachelor of Applied Arts in media arts 鈥� concentration in collaborative design
What made you want to attend Wichita State?
黑洞社区 is very affordable, and I heard that there was a new program, the media arts program, for the exact field I was interested in.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
I feel a bit of emptiness. I think I am overwhelmed and anticipating the changes that are taking place and I can't quite process it. College felt like a constant rush, so now that everything is slowing down, I鈥檓 taking it all in.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student would be balancing workload and stress management. I had no issues completing my work; however, my stress levels were detrimental to my health. I had started receiving therapy for a time and found I had too much on my plate. After narrowing my commitments down, my stress levels decreased, and I became much happier.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at Wichita State?
A course I鈥檇 like to highlight is Professional Practices in Business Development with Ryan Gates that I was required to take. The course was quite difficult and almost every student struggled, but I found the class to be extremely valuable as it made students critically think and plan for our future careers.
The most helpful learning experience I have had is from Timothy Babb, former associate director of the School of Digital Arts and the animation program director, who has left 黑洞社区 and moved forward with his career. I was able to take an independent study with him and learned much about the industry and what direction I wanted to go for my own career. Even now I have kept in contact with him as a mentor for tips on my portfolio and how to improve my work.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am applying to jobs currently, fingers crossed. I plan to learn more programs, such as Nuke, to expand my skillset and update my portfolio.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
College is a time to make connections with others and challenge yourself. It gives you time to learn and grow as a person. The first couple of years it鈥檚 great to explore, socialize and have fun. After, definitely focus on what you believe is important for your long-term future and career. If you end up taking over four years, that is okay. Take your time and don鈥檛 rush. Your physical, emotional and mental health is vital.
About 黑洞社区
黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and 黑洞社区 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 黑洞社区 Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 黑洞社区 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 黑洞社区 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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