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Adrienna Williams was in algebra class when she found out she was selected as a Gates Millennium scholar. Her mother had received a package at home and immediately contacted Williams by phone.
“My mom started crying, and she called everybody,” Williams said. “People in my classes were so happy for me. I started crying, too.”
Williams, who graduated No. 2 from Yazoo City High School, was one of 1,000 Gates Millennium Scholars out of more than 57,000 students nationwide who applied last year.The program of the United Negro College Fund is financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Williams, now a Jackson State University freshman biology major with ambitions of becoming a physician, said she was stunned to receive the honor, given her economic hardships, including growing up in Section 8 housing.
“I went to a small high school in a small town. I’m just one little person in a competitive school. We all wanted to be No. 1. I thought others were better because I stutter sometimes,” she said.
Williams said several of her mentors encouraged her to apply for the program, which required her to write eight essays on a designated topic.
“My mom was a single parent without a college education. I’m the oldest of three children (she has a brother and sister). I knew what I wanted to do in life but didn’t know how I was going to accomplish it without money. I didn’t have the proper resources to prepare for my journey. I knew that I wanted to be in the healthcare industry to care for people.”
As a recipient, she’s eligible for renewable funds to attend any U.S. accredited college or university. Also, since she’s interested in studying medicine, those who pursue graduate studies in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science may be eligible for fellowship funding through the master’s and doctoral levels. Williams chose JSU after an “impressive tour” from JSU Welcome Center guide Serita Griffith-Washington.
“I fell in love with the school, thanks to the tour guide. After seeing the beauty of the campus, I wanted to put my money back into an HBCU. Some relatives wanted me to go elsewhere, but now they’re OK with my decision,” she said.
Williams said while growing up poor was challenging, she’s thankful for the opportunity to pursue her dreams.
“If you think, believe and achieve, you can do it. I’m doing just that,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
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