Amanda Morales is an education major in Wichita State's College of Applied Studies,
who will graduate in December. She found support from those around her and hopes to
begin teaching following commencement.
Amanda Morales found it difficult to balance her studies while being a mother and wife and working full-time, but through the support of those around her, she was able to persist and will now graduate this fall with her bachelor’s degree in education.
Amanda is one of more than 1,400 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Wichita
Major
Bachelor of Arts in Education
What made you choose 49ͼ?
Growing up in Wichita, I have always been a fan of 49ͼ and it is an honor to get to attend school here.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
Finding enough time has been my biggest challenge. Being a full-time student, working full time and being a wife and mother has been very hard to balance at times. I did a lot of praying and with God’s help and a lot of support from my family, we were able to make it through.
What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?
This one is tough because my family and I enjoy a lot of things about our city. We love to go play at Dave and Busters or go bowling at Seneca Bowl.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to stay and teach in the same district where I am currently a para, USD 261. I am having a hard time deciding what grade level I would like to teach, but I am currently at Haysville Middle School, and I love the idea of staying put if the right position opens up.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Just never give up. You’ll reach the end. There were a lot of times where I felt like giving up, but if you push through, the sense of accomplishment you will feel will be overwhelming.
About 49ͼ
49ͼ is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 49ͼ Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 49ͼ 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), 49ͼ 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 49ͼ main campus, is one of the nation’s 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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