The Impact of Giving

Ozzy comes from a large family with three brothers and three sisters, and attending college was not a serious consideration, primarily due to the significant financial commitment furthering his education would require. He has never aspired to work in an office environment; instead, he prefers to work with his hands. After studying welding at a technical high school, Ozzy planned on entering the workforce immediately after graduation. However, when his grandfather handed him an application for Williamson College of the Trades, that simple gesture opened up a world of new possibilities for him. “After I learned of my acceptance into Williamson, I couldn’t think of a better way to get through college without taking on student loan debt. The opportunity has allowed me to advance much further in life than I ever imagined,” he says.

TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
The rigorous schedule at Williamson has helped Ozzy improve his time management and organizational skills, which were challenges for him in high school. “I felt a little reluctant about enrolling in a school with a reputation for being so structured,” he reflects, adding, “But it’s actually been good for me. I’m much better at managing my life than before coming to Williamson. That accomplishment has given me such satisfaction and an overall sense of real purpose.”

A FEW OF HIS FAVORITE THINGS
The teachers at Williamson are at the top Ozzy’s list of school highlights. “I like how, in every class, the teachers care about you. No matter where you go, whichever class, the teachers are clearly here to teach you and care less about the paycheck. They care about you individually, and I always feel supported, which isn’t something I’d expect from other schools,” he shares. Ozzy also cites playing soccer, serving as a student ambassador, and attending the Junior Leadership Experience (JLE) camping trip among his favorite activities at Williamson. He also expresses gratitude to Olivia Martinez, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Ryan Feldman, Director of Construction Management, for being among the many people who have supported and encouraged him over the last couple of years.

NEXT STEPS
After graduating from Williamson, Ozzy hopes to further his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in either business or electrical engineering, depending on where he’s accepted. He feels incredibly grateful to have been part of Williamson’s inaugural Electrical program, his top choice from the start. That experience has opened his eyes to endless opportunities, and he often reflects on how he went from initially not wanting to attend college to now aspiring to earn another degree. “I don’t know where I’d be if the teachers, students, and other mentors here at Williamson hadn’t invested in me. Coming here has enriched my life, and I have a much clearer path than I used to. Someday, I hope to be successful enough to help support my family if they need it and anyone else who has helped me along the way.”