Timberly Thomas
(left) and Heidi Villalba
(Canyon)—When classes start this fall at West Texas A&M University, incoming freshmen Timberly Thomas and Heidi Villalba already will be seasoned college students.
Thomas, a 2006 high school graduate from Spearman, and Villalba, a 2006 graduate from Dimmitt, are enrolled in WTAMU’s Summer Session I as members of the University Success Academy (USA), a college preparatory program for first-generation college students.
WTAMU launched the USA program in 2004, and today it remains the only program of its kind in the state of Texas, providing tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies for two classes per USA student.
“It’s fun. We get a heads up on everything,” Thomas said. Her fellow classmate agrees.
“I like that we get to experience college life and the chance to know the campus,” Villalba said.
WTAMU developed the program for graduating high school students who are committed to becoming the first in their family to achieve a four-year degree. Those students must intend to enroll full time at a Texas junior college or four-year college or university for the fall and spring semesters following their USA experience at WTAMU.
Both Thomas and Villalba plan to return to WTAMU in the fall with at least six credit hours under their belts and a working knowledge of the campus and what it has to offer. Both will live on campus and immerse themselves in the college life. Thomas plans on majoring in nursing, and Villalba has her sights set on a major in pre-pharmacy.
Thomas heard about the program from her high school counselor. She’d just gotten a summer job at a pizza place in her hometown when she found out she’d been accepted for the USA program. She decided to juggle text books instead of pizza pans and enrolled in the University’s Summer Session I.
“It’s very exciting, and it’s been really fun,” Thomas said. “It’s been a great learning experience, and I’m so glad I got this opportunity.”
Villalba is no stranger to the WTAMU campus. She’s been involved in the Upward Bound program before, so when somebody from Upward Bound suggested she apply for the program, Villalba took a chance.
“It’s been great. It’s an opportunity to take free classes, but that comes with a lot of responsibility too,” Villalba said. “I’m just glad for the chance to be a part of it.”
The 30 USA students enrolled in WTAMU’s first summer session live in an air-conditioned residence hall on campus. They are taking a mandatory class in interdisciplinary studies (IDS) and a core class of their choice. Both Thomas and Villalba are taking college algebra.
“The IDS class is like a college preparation class,” Villalba said. “We’re learning time management and study skills.”
In addition to attending classes at WTAMU, the USA students also take part in group activities like attending the outdoor drama Texas and a service-learning project like Habitat for Humanity. The classes, group activities and projects keep the students busy and give them a first-hand look at the college experience. Both Thomas and Villalba have taken to the experience and look forward to the fall semester. Thomas will take a 15-hour course load, and Villalba is registered for 18 hours.
Twenty-seven high school graduates launched the program in 2004. In its second year, the USA program grew to 43 students. This summer, the program will see a total of 60 students complete the USA program.
“We have 30 students in each of the first and second summer sessions,” Cindy
Barnes, director of the Student Advising, Registration and Retention Center,
said. “We receive more than 180 applications for the program, so it’s
proven itself successful.” 