After his early years in a private catholic school, Isaiah Villa and his family moved to Richardson and chose to enroll in Berkner High School for his sophomore year, seeking opportunity and diversity. He quickly found his fit, getting involved in school activities in any way he could. From Encore to Ramblers and Principal Advisory Council, the CTE Business pathway, and more, he discovered not only where he belonged, but who he wanted to be for himself and others.
When Isaiah Villa transferred to Berkner High School during his sophomore year, everything felt different. After spending most of his life in a private catholic school, walking into a new school was overwhelming at first, but he was determined to find his fit.
“It was the biggest culture shock of my life, but my parents wanted more diversity and opportunity for me,” he says. One of his first experiences at Berkner was attending Berkner’s “Rush Week,” where student organizations, clubs, and programs showcase how students can get involved. For Isaiah, it opened doors he had never experienced before and opportunities he didn’t know existed in schools. There was seemingly something for everyone, and he was ready to dive right in.
Over the next few years, Isaiah became involved in as much as he could, joining the Encore Choir, Ramblers country western dance team, Student Council, AVID, and Principals’ Advisory Council, just to name a few–all while building friendships with people from all walks of life.
What Isaiah loves even more than all that Berkner has to offer is its people–the students, teachers, and community. “I try to say hi to everybody I meet,” he says, “even just waving at someone. It’s the little things you can do to make someone smile and let them feel known.”
His warmth and positivity have helped him earn the “Social Butterfly” senior superlative and even being crowned Prom King, proof of the genuine connections he has built in his short three years in RISD.
His love for others traces back to childhood memories of his grandfather, who worked hard to support his family. After long work days, Isaiah would walk on his grandfather’s back to help relieve soreness, and he loved finding simple ways to make people around him feel better. “I’ve just always loved helping people in whatever way I can,” he says.
This heart for others helped shape his future dream of opening his own physical therapy practice after college. Through Berkner’s Business CTE pathway, Isaiah says he learned a lot about business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Courses like social media marketing, securities and investments, and other business-focused classes gave him practical skills that he says will stay with him.
Isaiah also credits AVID for helping him prepare for college and opportunities, and loves the access it provides for all students. During an AVID college visit to the University of North Texas, he said he immediately clicked. “We were hanging out in the cafe, and there was a jazz acapella group performing, just like Encore,” he said. “I remember thinking. This is where I want to be.”
This fall, Isaiah will attend UNT and major in Kinesiology, where he looks forward to meeting new people, staying in touch with his Berkner classmates, and pursuing his dreams. From stepping into an unfamiliar environment to embracing opportunities, we know he will continue to do what he does best: helping others feel seen, connected, and valued.
