Angela Coufal: What is your role as president (of the National Society of Black Engineers)?
Joshua Situka: To increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. That is our mission. We go to underprivileged communities and discuss the importance of going to college. I arrange for corporate sponsors to come out and discuss their company and what it’s like in the real world of engineering. We encourage people to keep their grades up, organize study groups and arrange for tutors to help. I organize and bring conferences together and make sure things run smoothly. Beyond that, we go out and talk to high school students and I focus on academics and community outreach with food drives and different events.
Coufal: How do you feel the organizations you’re involved in contribute to UH?
Situka: When you’re a part of an organization, you have a sense of pride that resonates throughout the University. It gives you an attachment to your school, and in going to conferences and competitions, we represent UH on a national level. In winning competitions, we bring recognition to UH.
Coufal: As an organization leader and speaking in terms of all student organizations across campus, how important do you feel it is that students get involved in organizations on campus?
Situka: It’s extremely important. It’s important for development. You may think you know how to do this or that, but in the real world you have to work with people. You have to work with others to accomplish your goals. You must have the whole package. It’s not just about being able to do the calculations. You have to prove you have initiative to lead. Organization participation proves you have the drive and helps you gain experience.’
