With bachelor’s degree in psychology, 2020 grad hopes to affect change
A 26-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, Skylar Hill said he felt blessed during his time at KU Edwards Campus and proud to graduate as a Jayhawk with his bachelor’s degree in psychology. The Chanute, Kansas, native received his undergraduate degree in May while also working as a caregiver and at the campus Welcome and Student Success Center.
“Being an academic student at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus has been humbling, energizing, and spectacular!” Hill said. “More importantly, working at the student success center not only gave me a chance to interact with my fellow students, but the faculty and staff of KU as well. In short, my team members at KU had a synergistic effect that led me and other students to success, not only in our academic lives, but in our personal lives as well.”
Hill said he plans to take some time for self-inquiry before likely continuing his education to become a lawyer and then government official. He hopes to someday create a charity or foundation to help less-fortunate people. Read more about his journey!
Q: What has been a typical day in your life as a student attending KUEC?
A: Working at the KUEC Welcome Center, being a caregiver, exercising, reading and enjoying any other activities I like to participate in. With that being said, not a lot of time was spent on homework. Learning and the accumulation of knowledge is something I enjoy.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
A: Internal psychological freedom and freedom to travel the world and do as I please. Being enslaved to the ego and driven by the subconscious is not a life worth living.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Success, happiness and joy.
Q: Why did you choose KUEC?
A: Reputable academic institution and location.
Q: How did KUEC meet your personal and/or academic needs?
A: The faculty and staff have been outstanding. Anytime I needed guidance or help, they were always there - 10/10.
Q: How has your degree prepared you for the future?
A: By giving me the opportunity to learn and grow in class, and by giving me a piece of paper that tells people I’m “kind of smart.” If I decide to pursue a doctoral degree, that college will have prepared me for the future by letting people know that NOW I’m “really smart.” However, only I can prepare myself for the future; college only gives people the tools.
Q: What was the most difficult part of earning your college degree and how did you overcome it?
A: Nothing about my bachelor’s degree was difficult or challenging other than the lengthy amount of time it took. I overcame that by keeping myself busy with work and hobbies.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: Successfully exiting the U.S Air Force and more importantly, self-mastery. Nothing is more important than learning to discipline one’s self, that is how success is achieved, there is no other way.
Q: What are your long-term career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: Being success-driven is how I intend to accomplish anything in life. My long-term career goal is to earn enough money to be able to open a charity or foundation for people who are less fortunate than I – those who weren’t dealt the best hand of cards.
Q: What advice would you give others who are thinking of earning a degree, whether a first-time bachelor’s, a second bachelor’s or a master’s?
A: Don’t waste your time or money on a degree unless you plan on actually using your degree because a piece of paper doesn’t determine your self-worth, you do. God bless and good luck to all the current and future students. ROCK CHALK, JAYHAWK!
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at KU Edwards Campus.
