Alumna,
Christina Williams, finds her mission in life
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE--- Christina Williams, like many people, earned a college degree only to
discover her life’s mission after Commencement.
She recalls
feeling a wave of relief after earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science
at Elizabeth City State University in 2002. To her delight, she landed a job
with the Currituck County Schools as a computer technician the Monday following
her Commencement ceremony.
Williams had
always liked computers. More importantly, she enjoyed learning how their
functions can simplify our lives. Yet, she eventually realized that repairing
computers was not fulfilling. Williams did not want to simply resolve problems
with computers. She wanted to teach people how to use
technology.
She turned to
the local library, where she’d previously worked part time, as a place where she
could share her knowledge. For the next nine years, she worked, in part,
teaching local residents how to use computers. Years later, she began teaching
part-time classes at the College of The Albemarle (COA).
“It is just
simply amazing watching people learn to use a tool they once feared,” said
Williams, who clearly enjoys what she does now. “God didn’t give that knowledge
to me for me to keep it inside. I’m the kind of person who needs to deliver it.
Maybe that’s my mission in life.”
As a teacher,
she abides by several mantras. First, she reassures newcomers that classes will
help them overcome their fear of using a computer keyboard and mouse. She also
reassures them that people learn at different speeds. Finally, she assures them
their desire to learn is most critical, regardless of whether they are
interested in a beginner’s course or a more advanced-level program. They are
driven to take computer courses because of their needs, such as the need to
create a resume or a business plan, she said. And that need and desire will help
them to succeed.
“I tell them,
‘If you don’t get onboard, you won’t be able to do things online like your
taxes. You will be left behind. Technology is not waiting for you,’” Williams
said.
She also
tells them, “’Don’t worry. I’m going to help you and you are going to succeed.
Aren’t we all here to help each other anyway?”
At COA,
Williams has taught classes related to human resource development, resume
writing and job-search skills. She has met people determined to learn the
intricacies of using Facebook so they can flourish as entrepreneurs. Using
Facebook for business can differ from the typical techniques people employ when
using the social media outlet for casual exchanges.
Williams says
she finds her work fulfilling and a lot more than a means of contributing to her
family’s income. She credits her instructors at ECSU with propelling her to a
rewarding career that allows her also to work as a
consultant.
“I had a good
experience at ECSU. It was a good school. I spent a lot of time in the library
as a student,” Williams said.
“I tell my
students, ‘Don’t even let a change in your family interrupt your education. You
can do this.’”
She said it’s
a joy to teach computer classes. The students “touch my life and I touch their
lives.”
# # #
Photo
caption: Christina Williams, an ECSU alumna, is confident that teaching computer
classes is her mission in life. Williams, here in a College of the Albemarle
classroom, says she enjoys the classes where students’ ages vary from the young
adult stage to retirement.
Kesha
Williams
Director
of Media Relations| University Relations and Marketing
Elizabeth
City State University
1704
Weeksville Rd. | Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone:
252.335.3686 | Fax: 252.335.3769
