Creating Options for the Future – Ronald Williams

Earning a Liberal Arts degree, Ronald is looking to begin a bachelor’s degree program in the fall to pursue a degree in Political Science and Africana studies. Graduating with Honors, Ronald has been accepted to Temple, La Salle, Drexel and Arcadia, and is waiting to hear from Rutgers – Camden, Swarthmore, Haverford, Howard and Princeton. The college campus and financial aid packages will help him decide on his next institution.

Working for the City of Philadelphia full time and going to school full time, Ronald wasn’t sure he fit in when he started at CCP, but he soon found interests and support.

“I thought I was too old and didn’t belong. My reservations went away as the semester moved forward,” he said.

“I was a member of the Center for Male Engagement (CME), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, co-chair of the Student Affairs Standing Committee and a member of the judicial hearing committee. I completed the Philadelphia L.E.A.D.S. program and also went on a study abroad trip to Ghana,” said Ronald.

Through CME, he also traveled to Lincoln University to volunteer and attend a conference, and he mentors high school kids for three to four hours a week.

"We’re giving back to younger people, and telling them they can go to school,” he said.

The skills he gained from his classes provided a foundation for success as a student and provided insight to new interests.

“I learned how to create a PowerPoint, write a bibliography, use citations, and enhanced my Word and Excel skills. It makes class easier. Through one of my honors classes, I saw the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New Yor for the first time. I want to go back this summer. It’s so big, you can’t see it all, and I love art,” said Ronald.

He also found help through the many support services at the College.

“There’s faculty and a lot of support services, like CME tutors – you can always find help. Ask for help when you need it. I received a 68 on my first essay. I went to the Learning Lab. My second essay, I got an 85—the next one, 90. All by taking the time,” he said.

Ronald learned firsthand that getting involved outside of the classroom was important to becoming a good student and led to a better overall experience.’

“The more you get involved, the better you do in school. If you put your mind to it and work hard, you can achieve anything. Whatever your niche is, you can find it at CCP. You never have to feel alone. There’s always something around the school to make you feel the love,” he said.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Ronald will consider law school or a master’s degree in Public Policy, with the goal of working in government and focusing on civil rights.

Ronald encourages others to overcome any hesitation to enrolling at the College or pursuing higher education.

“Face your fears or self-doubt—come to campus, reach out to someone who attends CCP—you may want to be at a Regional Center or at Main Campus. See all of the campuses and go to open houses to see where you’ll fit. Ask questions. Talk to someone about what you want to do and your time frame. There’s tons of help, and you can feel secure,” he said.