Josie Sloan is a first-generation college student who worked as bus driver for Wichita Public Schools while earning her degree in communication sciences and disorders.
Josie is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2024 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Major
Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders
Hometown
Olathe
Why did you choose ɫƵ?
I chose ɫƵ because as a first-gen transfer student, ɫƵ's application and transfer process was seamless and supportive.
ɫƵ offers a cost-effective education while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student. And how did you overcome it?
My greatest challenge as a student was balancing the demands of supporting myself while adjusting to life in a new city and transitioning to a four-year university.
I've worked full time as a school bus driver for Wichita Public Schools while also being a full-time student involved on campus and doing honor courses. Finding people that I could do life with was incredibly beneficial because it provided a support system where we could share experiences and help one another when needed.
Shoutout to and Wichita State Speech-Hearing-Language Student Association for being great places to connect and be challenged.
What are your favorite on-campus and off-campus spots?
My favorite off-campus spot is Chisholm Creek Park. My favorite on-campus spot is wherever the is currently placed.
If a movie were made about your life, who would you cast to play you? And what genre would best capture your story?
I would cast Amy Poehler - it would be a comedy for sure!
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology to be a certified speech-language pathologist.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Connect! Engage with your classmates and professors and build relationships intentionally.
There would have been many opportunities missed if I didn't take the time to interact with those around me. I want to say thank you to CSD faculty for their commitment to invest in their students.
About ɫƵ
ɫƵ is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and ɫƵ Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and ɫƵ 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), ɫƵ 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 ɫƵ 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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