-With Jeff Wells
With graduation happening this week, I thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to your 2015 Co-Valedictorians. First up, is Jeff Wells, an e-campus, KU graduate from the Management Information Systems program in . Here is his interview:
– Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I married my wife in 1983, have two grown children, and am blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law and grandson as well. I joined the Air Force right after high school, and served for over 20 years, until my retirement in 2009. After my retirement, I worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs until I decided to enroll full-time at KU to gain an education for a new role in life.
-How has your experience as a KU student been?
My experience at KU has been a plethora of challenges, triumphs, and also opportunities. I have been able to meet some truly amazing professors and classmates, which will likely never be forgotten.
– What made you decide to choose your major?
I have always been drawn to technology in one form or another, so when I decided it was time to retire from the military, Management Information Systems just seemed like the obvious choice for me.
– How have you been able to juggle outside responsibilities while working on your degree?
Student life can be difficult at any point in one’s life, but factor in family responsibilities, and there is an element of stress that at times makes the completion of school-work extremely difficult and graduation seem unattainable. My daughter is disabled, so there are always additional considerations as far as my family dynamics are concerned. Since my enrollment in KU, my entire family has had to make allowances for my school schedule at various times, and I have most definitely had to adjust family functions to ensure that I would be able to complete and submit my assignments on time.
– What are your plans after graduation?
I am seeking an entry-level position as an IT Business Analyst in order to gain employment in my general area of study. I have been applying to various organizations for a couple of months now, so I hope to be successful in this endeavor after graduation.
– Do you have any advice you would like to give your fellow KU students?
My advice to any student would be to plan ahead for the unexpected, and always start your assignments as if they were due immediately. In an accelerated course, there is absolutely no time for delay, so stay ahead of deadlines, and ask as many questions as necessary to gain the clarity needed to perform your work without ambiguity.
Thank you so much Jeff for participating in this interview me. Congratulations on being named a co-valedictorian and I wish you success in all of your future endeavors!
As always students, if you want to share something on ELSE, or have any questions or comments, feel free to email me. I would LOVE to hear from you!
Your fellow KU student,
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
