Mark Gryczka Playing Lacross.Mark Gryczka

College is all about chances – a chance to succeed, to prove yourself, to learn new skills. Western Illinois University has provided those chances … and more … to Mark Gryczka, a senior pre-med major and a student in Western's Centennial Honors College.

"Western has provided a fresh start. College is a place where your professors or friends don't have any idea of what you were like in high school and what kind of grades you received then," Mark said. "The professors here are really cool and are so approachable, and I've met so many friends at Western. And not to mention the invitation to join the Honors College --I was shocked."

It's All About Involvement

At Western, there are some 200 recognized student organizations -- from academic honoraries to sports clubs to Greek organizations and more. Mark saw the benefit -- and chances -- open to him through extracurricular activities.

During his time at WIU, Mark has been a member of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological sciences honor society; the Pre-Professional Club; and is the president of the men's LaCrosse Club.

Mark Volunteering at McDonough District Hospital."I also volunteer at McDonough District Hospital. As a pre-med major, this has given me the opportunity to experience a hospital while helping others," he said.

The Chance to Succeed

Western Illinois University's historic mission is to serve students who exhibit academic promise; so each year, approximately 300 new freshmen who do not qualify under traditional admissions standards -- but are recommended by advisers and teachers -- are provided an opportunity to succeed. Mark was one of these recommended students admitted to Western.

He started in Western's renowned law enforcement and justice administration department, but after taking a few general education courses in science and health, he ended up putting his two favorite interests together and decided that pre-med was hise best fit. After a successful first year and working hard to make the grade, Mark was invited to join Western's Honors College.

"The Honors Program has been great. It has given me such great opportunities and it really allows me to challenge myself," Mark said. "I'm just glad Western gave me a chance to enroll and show my true potential."