Hannah Copeland found her calling through years of involvement in ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½βs orchestra programs and youth music clinics. Her most rewarding experience has been student teaching in Wichita Public Schools, and sheβs thrilled to continue that journey as the new orchestra teacher at Curtis Middle School.
Hannah is one of more than 2,100 students eligible for spring 2025 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
What degree will you be earning in May?
What is your hometown?
Wichita, Kansas
What schools did you attend before coming to Wichita State?
Wichita Northwest High School
Why did you choose ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½?
It was always going to be ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ for me. Growing up in Wichita orchestra programs, I was always in and out of ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ for Youth Symphony, orchestra festivals and clinics.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was work-life balance. I was so stressed my junior year trying to juggle homework, classes, practicing, rehearsals, recital preparation, teaching private lessons and being president of the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ American String Teachers Association that I had no time for myself. Learning to say no when I did not have the space to add more on my plate was the key to having a great senior year.
Did you have any applied learning experience as a student? If so, what was it?
My applied learning experience has been student teaching. I am currently assisting and teaching general music classes at Lawrence Elementary School and orchestra at Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School full-time. It has been the most valuable and insightful part of my college experience getting to work with students all day every day.
What are your plans after graduation?
Next year, I am excited to be the orchestra teacher at Curtis Middle School in the Wichita Public School District.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Make the most of your time in college while also making time for the people who matter to you in life. Keep those things that make you happy close. Donβt spread yourself thin trying to do everything. Commit yourself to a few things that you can be really proud of.
About ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½
ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ main campus, is one of the nationβs largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
Follow Wichita State on social media:
