Villa’s educational journey is a testament to the power of resilience and hard work. Like many students who had to overcome obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Villa faced an uncertain future. “I had to adapt quickly,” he said. “We were in unprecedented times, and all my plans for a traditional college experience were turned upside down.”
Determined to keep moving forward despite the circumstances, Villa decided to take a bold step by enrolling at UT Dallas and taking on a challenging 18 credit hours during his first semester. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize the weight of that decision.
“Honestly, it was overwhelming,” Villa said. “I thought I had to push myself that hard to prove I could do it, but what I learned is that sometimes you need to take a step back and make sure you’re balancing your workload, especially when the world is going through a pandemic.”
Facing the challenge, Villa realized that determination alone was not enough, and he had to develop new strategies to succeed, such as time management and reaching out for help when necessary. He credits his family’s unwavering support and his drive to be a role model for other first-generation students as motivating factors. Villa’s story reflects the broader challenges that first-generation students often encounter.
“The hardest part was not having someone who could guide me,” Villa explained. “I couldn’t ask my parents for advice about college courses or how to navigate transferring schools. I had to figure it all out on my own, which was tough but also empowering in a way, and I have the people at Collin College to thank.”
Despite these challenges, Villa has thrived. His experiences at both Collin College and UT Dallas have shaped his approach to education.
“My professors and advisors have been incredibly supportive. They helped me see that it’s okay to ask for help. That’s something I struggled with early on because I felt like I had to do everything myself,” he said.
In addition to his academic achievements, Villa worked as a part-time student at Collin College earning money to pay for books, parking stickers, food, and gas while simultaneously earning his education. This allowed him to establish a work-life balance while getting an education.
“I want to show other first-generation students that it’s possible,” Villa said. “You don’t have to have all the answers when you start. What matters is that you keep going, no matter how many times you stumble.”
As Villa prepares to graduate from Collin College and continue his education at UT Dallas, he remains focused on his long-term goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. “I want to create something that lasts,” he added. “Whether it’s designing machines or mentoring the next generation, I want to leave a legacy behind.”
Villa’s journey serves as an inspiration for students who face obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. His story is one of perseverance, reminding us that even in the face of uncertainty, hard work and determination can lead to success.
To learn more about the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Engineering Technology at Collin College, visit www.collin.edu/department/engineering.