Mackenzie Waggoner

Year in school: Senior

Major: Agricultural communications and journalism, secondary majors in natural resources and environmental sciences

Hometown: Topeka, Kansas

What is your earliest K-State memory?

My earliest K-State memory was when my aunt was still in college here herself. I was in elementary school, and she invited me to come and stay with her in Manhattan for the weekend. Although we did not explore campus, I remember the atmosphere of Manhattan. That was the first time I went to Manhattan hill, ate some pizza shuttle pizza, and had my first glimpse of what it was like to be a K-Stater. As a student now, I value that experience. Back then, I had no idea how impactful that weekend was. Now I fully understand that the weekend I spent with my aunt was one of the reasons I decided to become a K-State student.

Why did you choose K-State?

I chose K-State because of the people. I remember when I came here for my first official tour, I absolutely loved the whole experience. It was not until lunch that I decided I was going to attend K-State. I remember having the opportunity to eat at the Kramer dining center and after my meal, I of course had to get some Call Hall ice cream. While I was standing in line, a student approached me that I had never met before. She asked about my experiences on campus so far and spoke upon some of hers. Through all my college visits, I had never had a student approach me and that stuck out to me. I knew at that moment; Students wanted me to succeed and find a place that felt like home.

How are you involved at K-State?

I am involved here at K-State through various activities. I am a member of Kansas State Student Alumni Board and Kappa Alpha Theta.

What has been your favorite K-State experience?

My favorite K-state experience had been being able to share my experience with my parents. Neither of my parents attended university after high school. They have been able to experience K-State game days, trying unfamiliar places to eat, and getting to explore Manhattan just like I have. Every time they come up to visit, they want to explore more and find new experiences here. I think the best part is my dad's wardrobe is progressively adding K-State gear, so he doesn't look out of place when he comes up for a visit.

How does K-State care for Kansans in your hometown community?

K-State cares for my community in the sense of creating an atmosphere prospective students will be able to succeed. In Topeka, the socioeconomic status of families is remarkably diverse. K-State has an abundance of resources for all students. I believe that is what makes K-State, K-State. The university wants to equip students with the resources needed for students to succeed and that is exactly what they bring to my community.

Why do you want to bring K-State to your community?

I want to bring K-State to my community because K-State has become my home away from home. When I was going through my college search process, this was especially important to me. More than likely, college is the first-time students are away from their home and their family. It can be intimidating, new, and unknown. Finding a community that makes students feel comfortable, welcomed, and included is what I found here at K-State. I want my community to understand that there are so many opportunities here at K-State, and students that are here want others around them to succeed. K-State has become my home away from home in so many ways and I hope that other potential students will be able to do the same.