黑洞社区

黑洞社区 is home to nearly 5,000 first-generation students, individuals whose caregivers weren't able to complete a college degree and who lack the firsthand experience to tackle college life. To help with their transition, Wichita State offers a number of resources to first-gen students to support them during their time in college, including F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

Hear from Brianna Escoto, a current first-gen student at Wichita State, about their first-gen experience.

Hometown:

I was raised in Wichita. I graduated from Wichita South High School. 

Major:

I am a senior majoring in Integrated Marketing Communication.

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?

It is a privilege to be the first member of my family to attend a university. I share this accomplishment with my parents. Were it not for their sacrifices, I would not be where I am today. I feel honored and proud to graduate in the spring of 2024. 

What support have you received as a first-gen student?

Some of the most notable support that I have received as a first-gen student is from TRIO Student Support Services. They have been a great help and have provided incredible resources. I am grateful for the TRIO SSS staff and their investment in my future. 

What piece of advice would you share with incoming first-gen college students?

I would encourage first-generation college students to take advantage of every resource and opportunity that is made available to them. Take a chance and attend an event you may be unsure about because you never know what you can learn. I would also stress the importance of networking. It is essential in the professional world. You never know who you can get connected with. One way to start is to join a campus organization. 

Is there any advice you would share with faculty or staff who work with first-gen students?

If I could share some advice with faculty or staff working with first-gen students, it would be to have empathy and go over everything, even if you feel it is common knowledge. Students come from different backgrounds and have different levels of exposure to college terminology or procedures. It can be difficult for students to admit they are lost, but having an in-depth discussion with an advisor can ease their worries.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?

I hope to work in higher education when I graduate from Wichita State. I would love to be a part of a communication/marketing team that provides resources to students and aids them in their college journey.

About 黑洞社区

黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 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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