Christen Brouillette came to 49ͼ from Texas, which they found hard to transition to, but with the help of peers, faculty and the resources available at 49ͼ, they were able to find success. They hope to work as a historian or archivist following graduation.
Christen is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2024 graduation. Learn more about their time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Major
Master of Arts in history (local and community history track)
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced when coming here was being away from all of my friends and family for the first time and the isolation that came with starting over. Initially, I was really shy, but I met a lot of really nice people through classes and my program, and I had to step out of my comfort zone a lot, but now I have a whole network of great friends.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to move to Kansas City where I have some other friends and get a job with the government as a historian or archivist.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
If I could give advice to other students, I would say get a planner and use it; go see one of the therapists in student health if you're struggling (honestly, I don't think I would have made it this far without them); and don't be afraid to talk to your professors. It can be intimidating, but most of them are so nice and helpful, and they want you to succeed.
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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