A recent South Garland High School graduate had the chance to inspire hundreds of students and educators with her moving story. Keyle Williams was invited to share her journey to college at the annual Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Summer Institute June 22-24.
At the encouragement of her teachers, Williams applied to speak at the Dallas event, submitting a 500-word essay about her personal quest to secure a college education. After weeks of anticipation, the 18-year-old learned she bested thousands of candidates in April.
“I was surprised when I found out I was selected to speak. All of the speeches I have heard at the Summer Institute were really dramatic,” Williams said. “I have been through a lot, but I did not think it was on that level. My mom passed away from cancer when I was in third grade, and I do not know my dad. I basically do not have anyone, except for my grandma.”
Williams’ personal life has motivated her to strive for success—an admirable trait her teachers and peers praise.
“Keyle is not your average kid,” said AVID teacher Amanda Wilds. “She is an amazing, hardworking student, and her story proves that she is an overcomer. The fact that she went off to Harvard’s Summer School program her sophomore year, as well as her motivation to get outside of this area and explore new opportunities, means that she is going to do great things.”
Williams credits AVID as one of the reasons she is driven to reach such high achievements.
“I have been in AVID since sixth grade, and it is a support system for me,” she explained. “People in my family have been to college, but they never finished. I knew I wanted to go to college, change that history and be different. AVID gave me the tools I needed to go for it.”
Detailing how she obtained her AVID tool belt at the Summer Institute, Williams hopes others will follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams.
“I really want to touch people’s lives and give them hope. I want them to see how AVID can impact a student’s life.”
Williams will attend Hofstra University in Long Island, N.Y. in the fall, majoring in pre-med.