May 15, 2019

Name: Marlene Williams
Hometown: Newport Oregon
High School: Newport High School
College: Grand Canyon University
Year in school: Graduated with Masters in April 2019
Major: Undergrad: Health Care Administration with a minor in pre-law
Masters: Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and policy
Activities involved in on campus: Canyon Actives Board, international club, life group, Associate Students of Grand Canyon University, Dining Committee

What is one of the best things about college?
One of the best things about college is being able to meet new people and hear new stories. Since being at GCU I have gotten so involved and met amazing people! I have established myself and found my purpose. I am currently working as as Student Services Counselor handling the finances and academic of over 300 students ensuring they get the same amazing experience as I did when I came to the wonderful lope country!

What helped get you to college?
Given my tumultuous past as a child, I felt defeated in life and I didn’t have a purpose until I moved to Oregon. The amazing community of Newport came together as a whole and as a family and took me under their wing. I am who I am today because of the people of Newport. They raised the money for me to be able to come to Arizona to attend college. They always gave their time and support and made sure that I was safe.

What are your future career plans?
My future career plans are to do everything I can to ensure that I am living out my best life and potential. I want to give back to my community and show people that went through what I went through to give them hope to know that they too can accomplish any and everything they set their mind to! I am currently going through the Phoenix Police Department to become a Police Officer and give back to my community.

What advice do you have for other students?
It starts with believing and loving yourself. It starts with finding your passions and living them out everyday. It’s about finding your gifts and using them to help yourself and others. Don’t get hung up on the people – work on yourself and people will want to be a part of your life. Not to stress because it will all work out in the end.

The best advice I have is to be able to rely on yourself and to be able to do research. Not to get hung up if you don’t know what you want to do. To just trust your heart and do as many things as possible and get involved to help yourself understand what things you love. There could be things you never knew you could do or things you find you love but never knew they were an option. Lastly, I love you, I believe in you, and you have a purpose!