When I came here I was more scared of being in a different environment than being in school. I always knew I wanted to go to college. I just didn't know where. Doane connected me with the right people, like Dr. Lee Thomas and Wilma Jackson. Professors become friends and counselors who really believe in you and your capabilities.
At first, I was surprised how friendly people were here. I say that because they had no problem speaking to you without knowing you; checking on you if you missed a class or needed some help -- even hugging you. I was definitely not used to that, being a city girl.
Unique out-of-classroom experiences
I can’t remember the names of each Hansen Leadership speaker but, I do remember their impact. They all made me believe that their position could be mine, that anything was possible if I was willing to put forth effort.
I had a chance to listen to James Earl Jones on an overnight visit as a prospective student. Last year, when I received an e-mail about (CNN co-anchor) Soledad O'Brien coming to Doane, I not only signed up for the dinner, but the speech, reception, and meeting. I wanted her to know that I admired her work. I'm guessing she realized that when her food got cold from talking to me so much! When I told her I was interested in her field, she said that people would try to discourage me, but not to give up.
During the reception she pulled me to the side and wrote her e-mail address on her flier and told me to contact her. I was speechless! I waited until the summer and she directed me to her assistant, who put a word in for me at CNN-New York. Later that summer I received a phone call offering me an internship in New York City. Although I was excited I knew I could not accept because of school, location and finances. Since I have family in Atlanta I asked her assistant if she could transfer the internship to CNN-Atlanta. She said yes, but I would be on the waiting list. So, here I am...on the waiting list.
I don't regret much in my life, but I must admit I do regret passing up that opportunity. But I still have her e-mail address and will keep in contact. That's definitely something to cherish. I keep it in my photo album with her autograph.
The extraordinary results
Doane has added new bullet points to my resume every semester. Some of the biggest are the Alternative Spring Break to New Orleans, my position as news director of Doane College Television, winning the 2005 TRIO Scholarship, Doane Ambassadors, Multicultural and Community Service’s ‘Sister Speak’ – the list goes on and on.
Doane introduced me to internships and job opportunities and connections to alumni. Last summer, I worked with professionals at the Kansas City Star, Channel 9 News (TV) and Hot 103.3 radio station in Kansas City, as part of a two-week program sponsored by the KCABJ Urban Student Journalism Academy. At the end of the program, we put together our own newspaper and live newscasts. The experience was great. We covered different topics in the community, so we met a lot of professionals and people. I took a lot of cards for future internships or career opportunities.
In addition to being an outstanding student, maintaining an impressive cumulative grade point average, India Williams also is the DCTV news director and president of Student for Change. Her honors and awards include the National Collegiate Student Government Award in 2003-04; two “Best Stories” and One “Best Lead” Award for the Doane Owl in 2004; and the Golden Leaf Award in communication for “Sunday Conversation on 91.9 Core FM” in April 2004. She lives in the Quads, a dorm for Doane upperclass students that she believes to be the best on campus.