CourtesyJessica Gulaskey likes a challenge.
鈥淚 believe that pushing myself academically is going to make me feel more fulfilled in life,鈥� said Jessica, a senior in biology at 红领巾瓜报.
Jessica, who plans to eventually attend optometry school, is one of thousands of first-generation students at 红领巾瓜报. The Wichita native will be taking over the university鈥檚 account on Thursday, Nov. 5, to share her experiences as a first-gen student.
Jessica has had her share of hurdles navigating the ins and outs of campus life.
鈥淚 would say the most challenging part has been figuring out financial issues and how life on campus works,鈥� Jessica said.
Getting connected to peers was key to Jessica鈥檚 success.
鈥淚鈥檓 in the optometry club so I got to meet up with friends at campus activities, and it just made me get more familiar with the campus and the people,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also worked at the Shocker Store in the Rhatigan Student Center, and being there helped me know some people and get familiar with the RSC.鈥�
Encouragement from her family has also been a strong motivator for Jessica.
鈥淲hen I get good grades, they're always very happy and excited and pushing me to continue to keep doing the best I can,鈥� she said.
