Lien Tran recently discussed her experiences as a Family Studies and Human Services major at K-State Polytechnic with Dr. Kate Behan. Lien expects to graduate from K-State in May 2016. 
Although Lien had lived in Salina, KS for five years prior to graduating high school, she was unaware there was a branch campus of Kansas State University in Salina. Initially, she considered majoring in international business at Wichita State University. She noted, however, she is a “people person” and decided a business major was not the best fit for her. She was excited upon learning of the Salina branch campus and found that the FSHS program was an excellent fit with her skills of being able to listen to and help people.
She stated that she finds her FSHS classes are fun but also challenging. Potential FSHS students must come “with an open mind” as the courses address real-world issues and topics and dispel misconceptions about social issues. She stated that “the small class sizes are a plus and the professors are awesome” and enjoys the open discussions the small class size allows. Lien likes the small campus atmosphere of K-State Polytechnic while still obtaining a Kansas State University degree.
Lien has been an active member of the campus and Salina communities. She has been working at the K-State Polytechnic library for one-and-a-half years and the engineering department for four years while pursuing her degree. She stated that she really enjoys her on-campus work and has found that her supervisors are flexible and understanding realizing that student workers are students first and their coursework takes priority. For example, Lien is currently completing her volunteer hours for her practicum orientation and her supervisors have been understanding and flexible with her work hours to accommodate her. Nevertheless, she stated the on-campus jobs are like “real jobs” that prepare students for future employment.
Lien has been active on campus she is a member of the Newman Club, was Vice President of the Student Government Association for one year, vice president of the Multicultural Student Union (MSU), participated in On the Record, a student magazine, was a member of Kappa Sigma Alpha sorority, and a former member of Enactus. Off campus Lien has volunteered at the Ashby House and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK).
Lien recently married. She met her husband, Andrew Hecker, on campus through mutual friends. Her husband graduated with a bachelor’s degree in technology management and construction engineering from Kansas State University in December 2013. Lien is excited about her future career in human services and would like to go to graduate school after working in the field for at least a couple of years. She is considering becoming a professor of Family Studies so she can teach the next generation of FSHS students.