WKU News

Summer Doris, a first-year student from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has embarked on a promising academic journey at Western Kentucky University, where she is pursuing majors in Chinese as part of the Flagship program and in International Affairs. With a family background rooted in government service and an early start in Chinese language studies during high school in Michigan, Summer’s decision to attend WKU was driven by her desire for a rigorous and globally focused education.

Her introduction to WKU occurred during a high school visit from the university's admissions team, where she first learned about the Chinese Flagship Program. After applying to 14 institutions, she ultimately chose WKU due to its emphasis on personalized academic support and high-quality Chinese language instruction. “I wanted to be an academic in general,” Summer explains. “At other institutions, their honors colleges weren’t as tailored to the students. Here, everyone was interested in me personally, rather than treating me like a number.”

Initially intending to pursue law school, Summer has since shifted her focus toward a career in foreign service or the FBI, inspired by her father’s work in the federal government. The potential for career growth and public service in the federal sector has reshaped her professional goals. She has also found valuable guidance in WKU’s Catalyst Cohort program, which has helped her navigate the wealth of opportunities available. “It has been really great," she says. "We talked about study abroad and the opportunities available in the Office of Scholar Development, and I had a meeting with Dr. Peng [from Flagship], who outlined our pathway for the next four years. I’m already considering study abroad options for next summer.”

Summer’s involvement on campus extends beyond academics. “Campus life has been more enjoyable than I expected,” she notes. Together with other students in the Flagship program, they have formed a close-knit community, organizing study groups and shared meals. "I’ve had the chance to meet students on my floor from various fields, including biology and psychology, and we’ve all been able to connect through shared experiences."

The transition to college life, while exciting, has also come with its challenges. Summer has had to adjust to the “sheer amount of things to do” on campus and sometimes feels overwhelmed by the numerous choices available. Yet, she remains eager to explore all that WKU has to offer. In one of her classes, a faculty member introduced the organization Amnesty International, sparking her interest in exploring additional extracurricular opportunities.

Looking ahead, Summer is focused on maximizing her WKU experience. Her long-term goals include exploring thesis options and pursuing study abroad in both Asia and other Western countries. This fall break, she plans to participate in a service project in Chicago, where she will also connect with family members in the area. Though she does not have a car on campus, Summer has relied on friends and Uber to explore the Bowling Green area and its food scene. She is also considering adding Japanese to her language studies.

Reflecting on her experience so far, Summer says, “I’m really enjoying the atmosphere at WKU and in Flagship.” With a full academic schedule, a wide range of campus activities, and an eye toward future global experiences, Summer Doris is well on her way to making her mark at WKU—and beyond.