PRESQUE ISLE — Often, the greatest success stories are the ones that seem most unlikely. That is the case with Northern Maine Community College’s Student of the Year for 2013. Myasia Williams may not have taken the most traditional entry into higher education, but she was enthusiastically nominated by NMCC faculty and staff and won the honor. Williams and one student from each of the Maine Community College System’s six other campuses were celebrated during an award ceremony and luncheon on April 24 at the Senator Inn in Augusta.
Williams, currently residing in Limestone, admits she didn’t behave like the best student in high school. While her grades were quite good, she skipped school frequently (unbeknownst to her mother), but always managed to attend and do well on test days. Her poor attendance record nearly prevented her from graduating high school in Danbury, Connecticut …but she made it. After two years working as a sales associate in retail, Williams wanted more but was haunted by the words of a teacher who told her that she was not college material.
Determined to further her education, Williams decided to follow in the footsteps of a family member who attended the Loring Job Corps Center, and entered the certified medical assistant program there. She quickly showed leadership skills as a student mentor, the student government association’s store manager, a resident wing leader and stewardship leader. Williams also became involved in the larger community, participating in Caribou Cares about Kids festival, Ride Aroostook and Walk for MS — and she remained a very good student.
While still enrolled at Job Corps, Williams applied for the Advanced Career Training (ACT) program and was accepted into NMCC’s business technology program. Williams continues to live at the Jobs Corps Center, commuting by bus morning and night with other Job Corps students in the program. She has put the long days on campus to very good use, earning a perfect 4.0 in her first semester. She has also been able to maintain a GPA to be proud of: currently 3.9 despite a rigorous class schedule. Williams has decided to delay her graduation and return to NMCC in the fall for a dual major in business and accounting.
Myasia Williams’ unlikely success story is a wonderful example of the power of inner strength, faith in a vision, supportive family and making the most of every opportunity. The Maine Community College System is awarding Williams and the other six Students of the Year a John H. Lapoint, Jr. Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000. By virtue of this honor, Williams will be the Class of 2013 graduation speaker during NMCC’s commencement on Saturday, May 18th at the Northern Maine Forum in Presque Isle.
