Student Spotlight:
Matthew Wethington

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask civil engineering major Matthew Wethington for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU? Why did you choose your major?

I decided to attend Washington State University because I felt right at home the minute I arrived in Pullman. I had previously visited other schools but as soon as I visited WSU the choice was clear. I loved the town of Pullman and knew that I would make many tight knit friendships at WSU.

I chose my major because I had a passion for math and science when I was in high school and chose civil engineering in particular because it provides so many opportunities and so many different sub disciplines to pursue.

What scholarships do you have?

I was awarded the Distinguished Cougar Award, the Bhagat Endowed Scholarship, the Ralph and Gladys Waller Lowry Scholarship, and the Keith Lamb Endowed Scholarship.

Please share how scholarships or financial aid has impacted you as a student

As a first generation college student, scholarships and financial aid have made my dreams a reality. Without the scholarships that I have received from the WSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering I am unsure if I would have made it this far and be as close to obtaining my degree as I am.

What have you learned during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?

The most important skill that I am walking away from WSU with is problem solving. Through my years at WSU I have come to realize that my classes have equipped me with the problem solving skills that I need to tackle any problem rather than just learning the material.

After graduation, it is unlikely that I will be seeing many of the topics that I learned in school again but the problem solving skills that I developed along the way are extremely valuable.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

My advice for prospective students it to get involved and put yourself out there as much as you can. I am usually very introverted but putting myself out there and getting involved has helped immensely with finding internships and is one of the biggest reasons why I was able to find a job for after graduation so easily. Getting involved in activities on campus such as clubs, student jobs, intramural sports, etc. is so important and I urge everyone to do so.