Amanda Williams, a graduating senior in forensic investigation from Shady Spring, has had a busy four years during her time at WVU Tech.
This year, she’s been serving as the Student Body President. Before that, she served as a senator for the Student Government Association (SGA) and was a member of the Activities Committee, while also holding the position of Student Activities Board (SAB) President. Last year, she was selected as a finalist for Student Worker of the Year across the entire WVU system and worked for TRIO for three years. She was an Orientation Leader, President, and Treasurer (at different times) of the Forensic Investigation Association Club, and a peer mentor through TRIO.
As involved as Williams was on campus, she said she was not that way in high school.
“I was one of those kids who sat in the back of the class. I had a friend group of three people at the most. The only thing I did was dance team, because I love dance, but outside of that, I did nothing else,” she says. “Coming here was really different.”
Williams has been reflecting on her time at Tech and what she’s been able to achieve. She says her work in SGA as President will hopefully help future Golden Bears after she’s graduated.
“Something I’m proud of that I accomplished as the SGA President this year was reorganizing and restructuring SGA to run smoothly and to be properly led by the students for students,” she said.
Williams came to Tech initially as a psychology major but decided that was not for her and switched majors to forensic investigation. Through her experiences, she discovered what she wanted to do – or not do – with her future career.
“I took an internship at a law firm and was able to do investigative work for them, which was fun, but I learned that being an attorney was not a path I want to take. I originally had plans to intern somewhere else, but this landed in my lap instead. I met some great people and attended hearings, which were very interesting. I also learned so much about myself this past year, and I feel that I am ready to start my career,” she says.
After she graduates, Williams is excited to begin her career with the FBI in Clarksburg.
“A huge accomplishment for me this year was obtaining a federal job. I have always been so worried about finding a job and thinking I was going to be a failure, but instead I was able to get a federal job, which is so amazing coming right out of college,” she shared. “I am very excited because I will be working my dream job, I am nervous because I will be in a new city, and I am feeling bittersweet about leaving WVU Tech.”
“WVU Tech has become a second family to me. I know so many people here and absolutely love the faculty and staff who work here. I wouldn't be the person I am today or have accomplished all that I have without them. They have all made such a huge impact on my life that I cannot fully express it in words. They have made me feel prepared to move on to the next chapter of my life, but I am sad to have to leave all these amazing people here,” she said. “I am very thankful for President Stuart and Myisha Robinson, as well as everyone in TRIO SSS, Latishche and Malik in the HUB, Dan and Susan in Student Life, and Professor Vecellio. There are many more, of course, but they have all pushed me to do what I have done and helped me to get to where I am,” she says.
Her advice to incoming students?
“I would say just give it a try. If you’re not sure what clubs you would like, it’s always good to go to something and see what you think of it. Even if it's scary at first, people are welcoming, and you might click with them, but you don’t actually know until you try,” she says. “That first initial step is going and trying it out and seeing what happens.”