Wichita State University - Parnassus Yearbook (Wichita, KS)

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1 -. Y' , A .xii Q ' y, K , ,,.e.,.-.ig.,L . g. v.,'r.'- .. . was-1 f Paul realizes that a large percentage of all the people who seek psychiatric help will not come to his clinic. But he is interested in advancing preventative psychology, not pathology. While Paul may dream of the future, he and his wife, Liza, must make present sacrifices so he can continue his education. He has been a part-time student at WSU since 1969 and says he still has five or six more years of study before he gets that grand Ph.D behind my name. My wife is not upset over my plans. I put her through nursing school a year ago and she plans to continue her education, too. Paul says. We planned all of this before we got married so it's no shock to her that I'm not a devoted breadwinner now. We watch our money, though, and are not financially well off. But one of the hardest things for us to work out is that Liza works nights, too. And it's hard for me to spend time with her after classes and study before I go to work. Despite all its drawbacks, Paul says he couldn't not go to schooI. Studying psychology gives him a wide range of creative thought and insight into life. He even believes that he'd feel uncomfortable not going to school because it's a well developed habit. And when things get really unbearable for Paul--like worrying over getting a degree in a field that's already flooded --he always has one satisfying outlet. He practices and studies Martial Arts. V K . 1. at 'I-5.1. Sr, , V fy, A 5.1 f i i ep, . : gs - NIA' . :' ' Hsqcvq, . ' 'f .P bil .5 ':ua C 4111 I-'2 .- . ,,... ...- ... Q .1B - -sleeve ':s-ws.. - . Avis ' 1, 4 s. svxf' ' X ai y N, l can transcend the structure of classroom situations, and use Martial Arts as a vehicle for expressing my creativity. lt's really refreshing to empty your head and be able to do that. Sometimes when Paul gets really bored or frustrated at work he starts doing his work-out kicks in the back room. This causes the other waiters and waitresses to give him strange looks. But usually, Paul explains, l'm calm and happy. Because my job and school are things I do because they're a part of me. Besides, he says laughingly, You'd be surprised how much psychology there is to waiting tables. . :ta ,ns -.K 2 4.. . ' ws.. - 54-s-7 N. - , if 1 rt- , - tn Press on People!39

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Press on People 38lPress on People Wichita State University is more than a collage of systematic classes, existing as an entity within its boundries. Wichita State University is people--from across the nation and points on the world. We're not all here for the same reason, but we are all striving to obtain that precious piece of paper. For most students it's not easy. Everyone is faced with an obstacle here or there--anything from financial problems to maintaining interest in a boring class. In Press On People we've spotlighted just a few to show that despite everything the WSU student...Keeps On-Pressin' On. s.,.....,... Paul Kordis With a professional smile, Paul Kordis takes a cocktail order, ambles back into the kitchen to check on a food ticket, turns, grabs a handful of popcorn and says, Now where were we...oh yes, why do I think statistics are irrelevant. This morning Paul, a 24-yr-old psychology major, attended classes. Tonight, with his bow-tie neatly in place, Paul is a polished waiter at the Looking Glass restaurant. Short hours and fast money help Paul overlook his opinion, working as a waiter can be a zoo. Still, a mild wave of frustration ebbs through his mind when he thinks of his awaiting homework and remembers that he must work four more hours. When he does get off work he knows that he will probably be too mentally or physically tired to do his homework at all. Two roles, one chosen and one adopted out of necessity, merge into one reality for Paul. My present lifestyle tells me, Paul explains, That if I do this now, someday l'll be doing what l want to do. How's that song go...l'm the working student and I've got no one to bIame? Paul's someday dream is to have a clinic for mentally disturbed patients in the Colorado mountains. The concept behind Paul's mountain clinic includes facilites for recreation place where people can be what they want to be.

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Webster Walker As I walk up the entrance to his office, Webster Walker is waiting for me by the door. I notice his black suit and tie immediately, and hope I'm not dressed too casually in my blue jeans. After we're seated lVIr. Walker Ihis straight posture told me I should call him this, instead of Websterl looks at me calmly and waits for the interview to begin. Well, how does it feel to be a 87-yr-old student at WSU? I ask him, in a voice that seems a little loud for the small room with bird calendars on the wall. l think education is essential for everyone. He replies, still looking at me with calm, relaxed eyes. Oh, I say, well, do you think our education system has changed any since the last time you went to college? Yes, I think it's changed. he answers. He continues to look at me steadily, and without knowing why, I begin to feel that my prepared questions are all wrong. Some form of silent communication is taking place. By looking at his face, I can see that Nlr. WaIker's ego is not involved in this interview. He's waiting to talk to me and suddenly I want to talk to him--not interview him. Tell me what's it's like to be 87-yr-old. I asked. Are you healthy, happy? Oh yes, he says, l've only been sick 5 days in my life. Never used liquor or narcotics, either. You see, I'm a Christian. I live by the Bible, I read the Bible, and I believe every word it says. I asked Mr. Walker if he ever got upset over our changing times--like inflation, or more crimes. He's smiling at me now, and tells me he just answered that question. He says he never worries about anything, not even money, because he turns all those things over to God. We continue to talk for another half hour about anything that comes to our minds. During this half hour IVIr. Walker express the following viewpoints: There's no generation gap, just a communication problem. Parents don't communicate with their children. And how are you going to know what a child thinks, unless you let him taIk. -X-'X--X--X--X--X-4-'X' The black people have opportunities now, that never existed 20 years ago. There's still discrimination, that's a fact. But the doors are open now. 4O!Press On People -K'-l'X--I--I--I--INK I brought my first car when I was 68-yrs-old. A young man hit me five years ago and I haven't dirven since. I just gave it up and walk every where now, or ride the bus. 'X-'l X X'-X'-l--X--X- When I was 8-yrs-old, they made me a little plow and I helped chop and pick cotton and all that stuff down in Mississippi. And l've been working every since. 'l'4l l-X'-I--X'-X X' The time has gone by so fast. l've really enjoyed talking to this wise man, but I feel I should end our talk. Then I look down and see my unanswered questions. You never did tell me why you think our education system has changed or why you think education is essentiaI? I say. The courses aren't as difficult now, as they were in 1955 when I was working on my B.A. in Education, he explains, it used to be a Platonic system, on a one-to-one basis for each student. Now the system is bigger and more efficient but students get less out of their education. I believe education is essential for the sake of society. To be a good citizen we must keep pace with the times. What have you received from your two classes at WSU this semester, then. I ask. I've learned a lot about what's going on now, enjoyed the atmosphere immensely--I'm just glad I went back. ni i X xv I K.: I x,,,.:f