Summer Reading: 3 a.m. Notes by Eileen Veatch

 Many people dream of becoming published authors, but several Honorables have already achieved that dream, and it's just the beginning. 

Eileen just finished her freshman year at FHSU, majoring in English, and was nominated as the next FHSU Poet Laureate! She told us a little about her book, 3 a.m. Notes:

My book is a small collection of poems that came to me in the late hours of the night (hence the title). Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of being published - I used to write and illustrate my own books and bring them to show and tell in first grade. I saw a flash opportunity through Bookleaf Publishing and took it. And now here I am! Poetry has always been very personal to me, much like music, and the thing I want most out of work is for someone to be like, “Wow, she put that feeling into words.” Though this book was mainly self-published, I am currently working on getting my next collection published traditionally. 

Sometimes it takes me a long time to get poems out because my process takes a few days. It’ll start with an idea or a line. When I’m feeling creative, I’ll write it all in one go, then leave it. I’ll come back the next day and begin editing it. When it feels overwhelming or boring, I’ll stop and try again the next day. I always want to put my best work out there, but it can also be a daunting task sometimes. 

 

Eileen plans to continue writing and is working on publishing more of her work. We look forward to seeing what she creates, and may she inspire those of us who need a little creative motivation!

You can find her book online with a quick search, so go ahead and add a little poetry to your summer.

Senior Profile: Saige Heizer

 Saige is completing her degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and she earned Leadership and Criminal Justice certificates. She was a 2022 FHSU K-INBRE Scholar. 

This summer, Saige will begin her Master's in Public Health Administration and is working on her medical school application in hopes of attending either KU or UMKC in the fall of 2025. 

"Dr. Gillock has been the best academic advisor I could ask for over these past four years. He has always given me great advice in regard to my classes and personal endeavors. I always enjoy popping into his office to say hello. Dr. B and Dr. BT in the chemistry department were great professors who managed to make a subject I had always struggled with more manageable and sometimes even interesting. Their courses taught me to study and research skills that I will use while earning my master's degree and eventually my medical degree."

We wish Saige the best of luck and look forward to seeing Dr. Heizer in a few years! 

Senior Profile: Rose Reilly

Rose is from Tonganoxie and is graduating with her degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She will be doing a little traveling this summer before she starts at UMKC School of Dentistry for her DDS degree in the fall! 

As many have seen, one of her hobbies is contortion and foot archery. She hopes to have more chances to perform in the future. 

Rose tells us, "My mom and dad have helped me a lot. There were many times where I wanted to give up pursuing dentistry because of how difficult it was, and they always were there to encourage me to keep going." 

Rose has made the most of her ups and downs, and we know she'll keep up that commitment at UMKC! Keep smiling and seeking those adventures. 

                      

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." ~ Helen Keller

Senior Profile: Nathaniel Egan

 Nate is from Wichita and will complete his degree in Finance with a certificate in Insurance. He was a Torch Award nominee, Finance Student of the Year nominee, and a Robbins College Ambassador. Nate is moving to Chicago to be a financial analyst at Molex. 

"Cole Engel, Anthony Gable, Emily Breit, and Sam Schreyer all have helped me grow greatly in the clubs and organizations I am involved in. They have all become people I can talk to about anything, school-related or not. They have done a great job of helping me whenever I need it but also pushing me when I needed to be pushed the most. They have pushed me to be a better student and leader than I couldn't have imagined coming into FHSU. My family has greatly contributed to my success as they have always been so supportive and have helped shape me into who I am and who I will continue to be. John Egan, my brother, and David Schulte [both Honors College alums, if we may proudly interject] have been two great resources throughout my time at FHSU. They were both older and have helped guide me to my success. I also want to thank all my friends who have helped me in college in and out of the classroom, especially the UABs." 

Nate has put his best foot forward and taken advantage of amazing learning opportunities that will continue to guide him in his success. Best of luck in the also-windy city, Nate! 

“I give you Chicago. It is not London and Harvard. It is not Paris and buttermilk. It is American in every chitling and sparerib. It is alive from snout to tail.” ~ H. L. Mencken

Senior Profile: Madi Hicks

 Madi is from Bennington, Kansas, and is earning her degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy, with a minor in Psychology. She was a regular member on the Dean's Honor Roll from 2020-2024, and served as an Honors College ambassador. Madi has been accepted to Northeastern State University in Oklahoma where she will pursue her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She hopes to combine her love of the gospel and of occupational therapy and someday serve as a missionary overseas. 

Madi enjoys readying, collecting vinyl records, swing dancing, and traveling. She tells us "My family has been monumental in their support of my future and helping me chase my dream career. My husband, Cody, has been my constant these past four years of college. I’m so blessed to have him in my corner, today and every day. I’m incredibly grateful for Christian Challenge for shaping my faith walk, giving me a community, and equipping me for life beyond college. Lastly, I’d like to thank Haley Williams and Paige Engler for supporting me through mentorship during this time!" 

Madi will surely brighten the days of her future patients and we wish her much luck in Oklahoma! 

“It’s not enough to give a patient something to do with their hands. You must reach for the heart as well as the hands. It’s the heart that really does the healing.” ~ Ora Ruggles, a pioneer in occupational therapy

Senior Profile: Logan Erichsen

 Logan is from Ellsworth, Kansas and is graduating with his Bachelors of Science in Geoscience, with an emphasis in Geology. He also earned a GIS User Certificate and Global Studies Certificate. 

In the fall Logan will start his Master's degree in Geology at Kansas State and he plans to work toward a career in the field of natural resources and conservation. 

In additional to the Honors College, where he served as a Peer Mentor, Logan was a Rudd Scholar, an FHSU Torch Award Finalist, and was named a Donoghue Scholar at Kansas State University. During his time at FHSU Logan participated in many extracurricular activities as well. He served as the principal trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Band the past two years. He also served as student senator for the Werth College and was honored to represent all students in his college in the Student Government Association. 

From Logan, "I want to thank my family for always being there for me. My parents have always instilled great values into me and continue to always support me throughout my life in any way that they can. I want to thank Dr. Jon Sumrall for going above and beyond in the classroom to make sure my many questions got answered. He has always supported and encouraged my educational and research goals and makes sure he is there whenever I need him. Also a huge thank you to Dr. Kevin Amidon and the rest of the Honors College. Kevin has been a wonderful resource and mentor in guiding my education and is always there to talk about anything that crosses my mind. A big thank you to both Brad Dawson and Dr. Peter Lillpopp for giving me many band and music opportunities while here at FHSU. And finally, thank you to the Rudd Foundation. When people ask me about being a Rudd Scholar it is always hard to put my emotions into words. I have many friends and connections from the program and my Rudd Scholar family has always been there to check on me through my undergraduate degree and make sure I am on the right path. The connections they have provided have been valuable to my professional development. Thank you to everyone! I will never forget my time here at FHSU." 

Once Logan commits to something, you know he's going to give it his all. We wish him great success and K-State and beyond! 

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" - Albert Einstein