MCC’s Kristi Williamson inspires other first-gen college students
“An inspiring example.”
That’s how Kristi Williamson was introduced before she presented her story about being a first-generation college student when Meridian Community College’s Parent Services and Student Support office hosted the third annual First-Gen College Student Celebration.
A first-generation college student is described as one whose parents did not attend or finish college. Each fall, MCC honors first-generation college students with a reception, banner signing, and a talk by a guest speaker to encourage these students to continue their academic endeavors.
According to an article in the publication Chronicle of Higher Education, first-generation students tend to be older, juggle classes with a full-time job, and nearly one-third have dependents. However, the educational opportunities can be a springboard to a better future.
Williamson, who serves as director of library services at the College, shared that as the daughter of blue-collar working parents who instilled the value of hard work and determination, she lasered in her high school years on getting a starting position on the basketball team and graduating with at 4.0-grade point average – which she did.
“Next, thinking I have this life thing figured out, I head off to college in the big city of Livingston, Alabama, at the University of West Alabama, and I didn’t know a soul. I quickly learned how wrong I was and how little I knew,” she said of her initial start to college.
She explained, “Growing up in Whynot, Mississippi, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of being a first-generation college student. I didn’t fully grasp the importance of much of anything other than Jesus, Yankee baseball, and Alabama football.”
Williamson forged ahead, navigating through the uncharted territory of a new-found college life that ranged from an admissions maze to living in a dorm with someone she had never met. “Double majoring in athletic training and English with a minor in education, college life was an amazing experience, and I loved every minute of it,” she recalled.
In her junior year, her college journey came to an abrupt halt. “At 20 years old, I was pregnant and did not see a way to finish college, so at that point, I became a college dropout – the same girl who was voted Most Likely to Succeed only three short years ago,” she said. She married and became a mom. And while her husband finished his forestry degree, Williamson went to work at the post office and became a mother again. But there was still a desire for something more.
“I had an amazing husband, two sweet boys, and a great job, but I knew in the back of my mind I needed to finish college; I just didn’t think the time was ever right for me to quit work and finish school,” she said.
But the opportunity did surface, and she did earn her bachelor’s degree in education. “I was determined to finish not only for me but for my family who encouraged and supported me throughout the journey and a decade later went back to school for my master’s degree,” Williamson said.
Her words of advice to other first-gen students? Believe in yourself; embrace learning; set realistic goals; remember your why and seek support. Williamson added, “Do not hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Take advantage of the resources available to you. If you can’t find anyone to help, see me; we will figure it out. You are the reason why I’m here.”
To learn more about opportunities for first-gen students, contact Nedra Bradley, executive director for parent services and student support, at 601.484.8674 or email nbradley@meridiancc.edu