March 21, 2017

After a break from college, returning student is learning as he goes

By Lainie Mazzullo

  • We asked students from across campus why they chose Wichita State. Below is the second in a series of responses. Check out the first and second.
  • Learn more about majors, affordability, campus life and real-life experience at Wichita State.

Name: Josh Villa, senior, Health Service Management and Community Development

Where are you from? Wichita

Are you a first-generation or returning adult student? I am actually both.

Do you consider yourself a nontraditional student? Yes, because I think the break from college that I took really didn’t prepare me for college, so I’m learning as I go.

What does WSU offer that made going to college easier for you? WSU offers numerous programs that have helped me succeed, especially the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which houses the wonderful Multicultural Student Mentoring Program, as well as the Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion. They have been my home away from home.

What have been some highlights of your WSU experience?
While here at WSU in such a short time I have become so involved in numerous organizations, such as ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion. I am a proud member of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity Inc. I serve on the executive board for Multicultural Greek Council, as well as an executive member for Future Health Care Professionals. I was also the senator for the College of Health Professions for the Student Government Association.

What would you tell someone considering going to WSU? I would tell them to make it the best years of their life and don’t look back. If you make a mistake, oh well. Move on and keep shooting for the best.

What has helped keep you here? It has helped me with knowing about different organizations and offices that are willing to help me succeed with graduation. Knowing that I will be graduating soon is something that is awesome.