Name: Heather Williams
Grade: Junior at the University of Mississippi
Our December Germ Girl of the Month, Heather Williams, is a bright young woman with a great future ahead of her. She was nominated by her Uncle Vince, who had this to say about her:
“Heather is a great inspiration. She has been an inspiration to me for years. She has always been active with various sports like softball, basketball, riding dirt bikes, a little golf, etc….She has always tried her best at everything she has done….She has a great sense of humor and is always making people laugh and has a big heart for others. She is teaching herself acoustic guitar and loves to read. She has always been a great kid….I look forward to her living a little closer so we can hang out and go do some canoeing.”
Are you currently in school? If so, where are you attending? What is your major?
I am currently a junior at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). English is my major.
What are your career goals?
When I finish college, I want to pursue a career as an English instructor. I had such a wonderful experience at my community college that I would like to return and teach at the two-year level. If it were not for my instructors at Bevill State Community College, I am not sure where I would be or what field of study I would be pursuing. I want to give back and be that inspiration to students.
Do you have any advice for high school students trying to decide which college path to go down?
My advice to high school students would be to do your research before choosing a school to receive your education from. Never base your decision on how well their sports program is, especially students from the south. Football is alright, but it does not educate you.
Any advice for high school students about community college?
I attended a community college in my home town for three years while I figured out which path I wanted to take in my academic pursuit. I encourage anyone who is considering attending a community college to go for it. It saves so much money, allows time for growing up while staying close to family and friends, and, in my case, gain a quality education with smaller class sizes. College is a major adjustment period in one’s life, so it’s important to be able to build relationships with your instructors. That happens at a community college, not so much a major university.
Do you have any heroes? Who inspires you?
There is one person who inspires me to never give up and to keep my faith in God, even when the world constantly oppresses me. Her name is Dr. Charlotte Speer. She was my English instructor for three years at my community college. She is a strong leader who stands up for what she believes in, and [she] truly cares for her students. She goes out of her way to care for her students and ensure that they are getting the most out of their education. I hope to be like her when I start teaching.
We were told that you’ve played a lot of sports. What all have you played? Which was your favorite?
I h
ave played many sports throughout my life. From age five to ten I played soccer, making it to All-Stars two years in a row. But, I picked up softball at ten years old, and that was the sport that I focused on throughout school. In high school, I played basketball, volleyball, softball, and ran track. Softball is by far my favorite; although, I don’t get to play very often anymore.
We heard that you love to read. Is this true? What’s your favorite genre?
I love to read any chance I can get. I guess my favorite genre would have to be suspense/mystery. However, I like to read anyone from William Faulkner to Dante to Dan Brown, just to stay well-rounded.
What do you love to do in your free time?
Though it may sound cliché, I really enjoy spending time with friends who uplift and edify me. True, honest friends are hard to come by, so I try to spend as much time with them as I can.
Do you have any hobbies?
I actually have many hobbies. I like doing so many things that I can’t focus on one specific thing for very long. I enjoy doing any activity outside, whether it is camping, riding four wheelers, or playing any sport. When I am stressed, want to relax, or want to have my worship and one-on-one time with God, I turn to my guitar. After all, Beethoven said, “Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.”
Tell us three interesting facts about yourself that people may not know.
Three interesting things, let’s see…
1) I was born left-handed, but an elementary teacher of mine made me learn to write with my right hand. Because of that, I am ambidextrous and tend to do things backwards.
2) I love to draw, though it only comes in moods.
3) I’ve never met a gun that I did not like. I guess you can say I’m southern to the bone. I’m as comfortable in camo as I am in dresses and makeup.