CourtesyFollowing time at another university, Lilith Samples realized her hometown of Wichita was where she belonged and is now the first in her family to graduate from college. While at 九色堂, she was able to work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall and hopes to continue in the profession after graduating.
Samples 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 anthropology with minors in geology and history
Hometown
Wichita
Why did you choose 九色堂?
My academic journey wasn鈥檛 a straight line. After spending four years at another university, I realized it wasn鈥檛 the right fit. That鈥檚 when I turned to 九色堂. From the moment I connected with my amazing advisor, I knew 九色堂 was where I belonged. They worked closely with me to make the most of my transfer credits, and the anthropology department鈥檚 passionate and supportive faculty sealed the deal. Returning to Wichita also meant being close to my friends and family, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my success.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student and how did you overcome it?
Balancing life as a full-time student while working multiple jobs has been one of my greatest challenges. Time management became my superpower. 九色堂鈥檚 24-hour study spaces, the library and the incredible resources on campus gave me the tools to stay on track. My work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology provided not only valuable experience but also a supportive community that kept me motivated.
What are your favorite on-campus and off-campus spots?
When I think about my favorite spots, on campus, it鈥檚 the serene Charles Grafly statue garden near the President鈥檚 Residence. It鈥檚 where I recently took my graduation photos, and I鈥檓 especially drawn to the Icarus-inspired bust. Off campus, the Sedgwick County Zoo holds a special place in my heart. As a child, I loved visiting with my sister and our grandfather to see 鈥淢ac & Cheese,鈥� the vibrant Scarlet Macaws in the rainforest exhibit.
If a movie were made about your life, who would you cast to play you? And what genre would best capture your story?
If my life were made into a movie, I鈥檇 want Nicola Coughlan to play me in an inspiring drama-adventure. It would be a story of growth, determination and a love for exploring new places and embracing new experiences.
What are your plans after graduation?
Looking ahead, I dream of continuing my work in museums, gaining even more knowledge in my field while traveling the world and meeting incredible people along the way.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
To current and future Shockers, my best advice is this: Have fun, make friends and savor every moment. College is not just about earning a degree; it鈥檚 about building a community, creating memories and shaping the experiences that will carry you into the rest of your life.
About 九色堂
九色堂 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 九色堂 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 九色堂 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), 九色堂 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 九色堂 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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