SWU an integral part of goals met.

A few years ago, Billy Martin made a mid-life self-evaluation. Dogged by rheumatoid arthritis and other health issues that could have sidelined him for life, he found determination and, through prayer, set out to make some changes.

“I had three goals – get a college degree, get rid of my braces and lose 150 pounds – all by my 50th birthday. I started in November 2005. Now I’ve got my master’s degree, lost 162 pounds and got rid of my braces.”

Billy was determined to get back on track with his education. He had taken courses at a couple of other colleges, but had never finished. Moving every few years seemed to add to the challenge.

“One of my friends who went to Southern Wesleyan University told me about the program and I jumped all over it,” Billy said. When he enrolled, he found encouragement from his wife Jimelvia, a Methodist pastor. Although the Martins moved from Greenville to Charleston, he continued his education, making the trip to Greenville at first. When his wife was called to pastor a church in Arizona, Billy went to Charlotte, where he spent the next few months living with his mother. From there he traveled to Greenville to continue taking classes. He was also able to take classes at Southern Wesleyan’s Columbia location.

What Billy achieved with God’s help exceeded all expectations he had for himself. He cannot say enough about the people who have helped him along his journey – administration, faculty, staff and the many classmates who became his friends. Billy was energized by the relationships he formed through SWU.

“I got to meet a lot of people in different study groups. The experience at SWU was very enlightening. It gave me a chance to bond with other people. You almost become a family. You have a chance to be with so many different people,” Billy said, adding that he stays in touch with members of his study group. In a year and a half, Billy earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and was motivated to pursue a master’s degree. Looking back, Billy gets emotional about his experiences as a SWU student.

“Some of the things you learn not just from books. Also, the prayers we had during class helped,” he said.  

“You’re never too old to go back and do something. At my graduation, when I walked across the stage, it really hit me. It was the confirmation of what I worked for the past four years. Shaking Dr. Spittal’s hand – it just all hit me as a great experience.” Billy added that he had to work hard, but is quick to add that his experience meant a lot to him and helped him gain confidence.

“That day I marched across the stage I realized I could do anything,” he said, adding that his experiences have helped him in other ways.

“I was more of an introvert – kind of quiet. You meet different people and your personality changes – it helped me develop a more extroverted personality. I talk more than I used to.”

“Without my wife it would never have happened. She pushed me and made sure I was doing what I needed. I was going through rough times with my health because of rheumatoid arthritis. God has blessed me to where I could lose weight."

Billy also received encouragement from his mother and sister, who would look over his course work and provide a car to help him cover the miles back and forth to classes.

Billy and Jimelvia are now together in Phoenix, where he plans to teach.

“They were always there for me and instrumental in letting me finish. With God and your family you can’t lose,” he said.