Christian Williams is a third-year computer science major at Penn State Brandywine.
Year: Third
Major: Computer Science
Involvement: Vice president, Brandywine Leagues & Tournaments (BLT); vice president, Anime Club; student worker, Brandywine Information Technology Services (ITS)
Brandywine: What was your deciding factor in coming to Penn State Brandywine?
Williams: Being close to campus really helped with my decision to come here, but my deciding factor was how small the campus is because I didn’t want to go to a school where I was just another number in a class. I wanted a more personal connection with my professors.
Brandywine: How did you choose your major?
Williams: When I was younger, I was a part of a men’s mentoring program at my church, and there was a guy there who would teach a computer science class. Most of the time, I was the only one who showed up, but I ended up picking up a lot of things really fast and it stuck with me as I went through high school.
Brandywine: What challenges have you faced at Brandywine, if any?
Williams: A lot of my challenges, I would have to say, have to do with my scheduling and balancing schoolwork, work and my personal life. Making sure I have everything balanced can be stressful, but I’m getting the hang of it now.
Brandywine: Who at Brandywine has supported you, and how?
Williams: All my friends I’ve met here have been really supportive of me throughout my time at Brandywine. Also, my professors, my bosses and my co-workers at ITS have been very supportive. Pretty much everyone I’ve met and had a good experience with here has been really supportive, whether it’s with small things like words of encouragement or offering to help me with an assignment.
Brandywine: What made you interested in working for Brandywine ITS as a student worker, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Williams: After my first year here, I was trying to find things to boost my resume, and I wanted to find a technology job on campus. I saw that ITS was hiring, so I applied for a position that summer, got accepted, and I’ve loved it ever since. I really enjoy the fact that I get to see the behind-the-scenes of how events are set up and run. I’ve especially enjoyed working with the Brandywine Music Association to help them set up for their events like Brandywine’s Got Talent.
Brandywine: What made you interested in joining BLT, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Williams: I actually joined BLT while working in ITS. It was late one night, and it was just me and JonJon Asiddao, another student worker in ITS, working in the office and we were talking and getting to know each other. We both liked sports, and he asked me if I was interested in being in a sports and tournaments club. I told him I was, and he invited me to the first meeting of the semester. I really enjoy planning events and helping things get set up. I like doing the background work of all the meetings and tournaments we hold.
Brandywine: What has been one of your greatest accomplishments during your time at Brandywine?
Williams: I think my greatest accomplishment would probably be my role in BLT. Last year, we won Student Organization of the Year within our first year of becoming a club, which is amazing. This year, we’re trying to do even more. We’re trying to improve on certain things, trying to get more organized, and hopefully reach a lot more people.
Brandywine: With your involvement at Brandywine, how has your time on campus been impacted?
Williams: My time on campus has been a lot better lately than it was my first year because I was taking six classes per semester during that time. I didn’t have much time in my schedule to get involved. I would come here, go to class, then go home. After I started getting more involved, I started meeting new people and making more connections. I was really enjoying my time here a lot more. It’s been a lot better on my mental health, personally.
"As long as you’re trying your hardest, your work will be shown, and people will see the effort you put in."—Christian Williams , third-year computer science major, Penn State Brandywine
Brandywine: What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?
Williams: If you’re looking to get involved, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Yes, you’re here for your education, and that should definitely be your primary focus, but it’s important to get outside of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities you’ll have.
Brandywine: What’s the best memory you’ve made at Brandywine?
Williams: I don’t think I can narrow my best memory down to one. I think BLT as a whole has been a great memory for me. I’ve enjoyed holding so many events and seeing the joy on people’s faces when they win. It’s also really touching to see people become friends from the club you helped build. It’s very rewarding.
Brandywine: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time at Brandywine?
Williams: Not everything has to be perfect. Not everything will go according to plan or how you want it to go in your head. You’re not always going to make people happy, but as long as you’re putting your whole heart into it and putting your best foot forward, that’s good enough. As long as you’re trying your hardest, your work will be shown, and people will see the effort you put in.
