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UWT meets the sea. Explore the wonders at home and abroad with Environmental Science.
UWT meets the sea. Explore the wonders at home and abroad with Environmental Science.
"When I was in high school, and when I was at Georgia State even, I just felt like a needle in a haystack. But since I’ve been here, I feel so connected to the students, faculty, staff and community. And that’s what we need, to be successful, resources that support you."
Wil Johnson was drawn to UW Tacoma because of its location.
"It was in the community. That was the biggest thing," he says.
Underscoring his point, he remarks on a student skateboarding through the heart of the campus and the merry sound of the light link rail as it glides along Pacific Avenue. Johnson is sitting on a concrete terrace where unseasonably warm autumn sunlight streams through green and gold leaves.
Students chat as they walk toward classes or restaurants and coffee shops in the heart of downtown Tacoma.
"It's just a dynamic, energy filled environment. I love it, love it,” Johnson says with a laugh. “That’s one thing that inspired me to get involved.
At first, Johnson, 33, was not very involved when he started at UWT in the fall of 2006. Then organizations started pulling him in because students knew him from Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom and the work he did there as chapter and regional president for Phi Theta Kappa International.
When clubs doubted that changes could be made, Johnson started talking with people on behalf of the clubs.
"In all honesty, I think communication can break down any barrier," Johnson says.
Motivated to further improve communication on campus, Johnson ran for student government and is currently serving as ASUWT president, where he continues to act on his conviction that communication is vital.
Johnson admits he was not always so outgoing. When he was in high school, he says he suffered from what he calls “age discrimination.” He felt that people looked down on him and did not take his ideas seriously just because he was young.
"So I was quiet, but those years I was quiet I was able to sit and observe, you know, learn a lot more," he says.
The effective communication skills Johnson has acquired in his classes have helped him to gain confidence in using his voice. He laughs, recalling, "I came here thinking that I could write. In several classes with Chris Demaske, I’ve become a much, much better writer. It’s helped me in the positions that I’m in because I can communicate effectively with people."
With new tools gained in the classroom, Johnson is equipped with confidence and the ability to better express himself.
"That's why I feel so connected. I’ve taken away the fact that I can have a voice and be influential,” Johnson says, adding that the small classes further contributed to his education and the sense of community.
"You walk into a classroom with 15 to 20 students, and the professor knows your name,” he says.
The connection Johnson feels extends into the local community. Through UWT clubs such as the Black Student Union, Johnson has been introduced to community leaders in organizations such as the Tacoma Urban League and the local chapter of the NAACP. While campaigning for student government, he interacted with local business owners.
"I love this campus because it’s the University of Washington. There’s such prestige to that name. As a student leader, I can talk to and work with so many different people,” he says, pointing out that the influence and experience he is gaining now will help him in the future.
"As a leader, we are teachers," he emphasizes.
Johnson plans to pursue a Ph.D. after graduating from UWT in spring 2008. Johnson is inspired to dream big, and he is hoping for a federal position, maybe even Secretary of Education.
"I see no limits, if I don’t limit myself," Johnson says.
If UW Tacoma fits your academic goals and life situation, take the next step. Check out the degrees open to you and then visit the campus for a true UW Tacoma experience.
