Meet a Shocker: Brittany Spires

Balancing work, being a mother of five and being an honor roll student is not always an easy feat, but Brittany Spires learned a good support system can help you along the way. Spires is soon to graduate with a degree in psychology.

Spires is one of more than 1,100 students eligible for fall 2021 graduation. Learn more about her time at ͷ State and what is next for the grad.


What degree did you earn?

I am receiving a Bachelor of General Studies in psychology with three minors in creative writing, sociology and women’s studies. I am also receiving the Tilford Diversity Certificate.

What is your hometown?

My hometown is ͷ, Kansas.

What led you to ͷ State?

I was eager to become a Shocker right out of high school, in 2001. Due to personal struggles, I withdrew from ͷ State after one year. Sixteen years later, I was ready to earn my degree and WSU was my first choice.

How are you feeling leading up to graduation?

Leading up to graduation, I feel ecstatic. I did what I came to do, and my experience at ͷ State has been amazing.

What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at ͷ State?

While being a student here at ͷ State, my most helpful learning experience has been to get involved. I’ve learned that my short-term and long-term goals have been accomplished by reaching out, asking questions, participating in different events, and networking. My advisors, classmates and professors have all played a huge role in my learning experience.

What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

I am a wife, mother of five, and honor roll student, so for me, balancing work, home and school was my biggest challenge. I worked through this challenge by trying to improve my organizational skills. I created a daily schedule and regularly assessed my priorities to make sure they were in the right place. I also had to learn how to compromise in certain areas of my life.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, my plan is to find a job where I can combine psychology and creative writing. I’m still considering my options for grad school. That would be a great next step as well.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your time at ͷ State or your post-graduation plans? 

COVID-19 drastically changed the plans I had in place. Having to homeschool my children for a year added to my responsibilities, but my family adjusted, and we have been leaning on each other to get through it.

What advice would you give other ͷ State students?

To other students, I say, hang in there. Believe in yourself. Set small goals. Give yourself grace to be imperfect. Make sure you have a support system. And make your health and yourself a priority.


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