by: Lindsay Cox
Ina Williams is a recipient of Parkland’s Outstanding Black Student Award. Willaims, a nursing major, was recognized by faculty and staff as an outstanding black student for her academic excellence and involvement in the community. She is one of seven students selected for this award.
Black history has always been an important aspect of Willaims’ life. “Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always been taught to learn about culture and history. It’s always been a thing that I have been proud to be. I love it,” Williams said. “I’m happy that as African Americans we can have a month where we can celebrate the good and all the contributions that we have made as a people.”
Williams also shared how she celebrates Black History Month. “How I celebrate is by just being me. Sometimes I wear colors that are symbolic for African Americans. I can wear my hair in an afro if I so choose. I can wear it in puffs. I can wear it in braids. I’m going to wear my hair however I want it to be,” she said. “More important than the way I’m dressing or the way I wear my hair is how I’m going to act. I’m going to act in a way that embodies being an African American. I’m going to be kind; I’m going to be loving; I’m going to be respectful; I’m going to be assertive. Just be like Dr. King, you know, I feel like that is what he embodied: love and respect for all.”
Williams, who is married and has three kids, attended the U of I where she got a bachelor’s degree in community health and a master’s in public health with the intention of becoming a doctor. She is set to graduate from Parkland’s nursing program in December.
Before having kids, Williams was interested in international health and wanted to travel the world. Her plan was to work for the CDC, traveling and improving water sources. Currently, she is interested in case management; she wants to do administrative work at a hospital or another healthcare facility.
Her interest in the medical field was sparked when her grandmother was diagnosed with a heart condition. “What I really like about public health is that it’s diverse. You can work with the community and be able to understand different programming, and how different situations in the community work with different health,” Williams said.
Williams’ grandma was a big influence on her. Her grandma grew up in Crystal Springs, Mississippi and came from a family of sharecroppers. “She was always a hard worker. She actually went here to Parkland College,” Williams said. “To me she is a great example to have of someone as a hard worker. She is a very resilient person. We have the same name. She taught me to be a hard worker, to be kind, to be respectful, and to live like Christ.”
“Find happiness in your own story. Embrace the journey, whether the situation is good or bad”
The nursing student is quite active in her community. Williams volunteers at her church’s after-school program as a literacy coach. On her involvement in the program, Williams said that, “Reading is something that a lot of kids struggle with and a lot of times parents don’t really know how to help.”
She also works as at Parkland’s TRiO Student Support Services. At TRiO, she helps students with resumes, scholarship applications, and FAFSAs.
Getting involved and making connections is important to Williams. She even provided advice for those who are scared to get involved: “The worst thing people can say is no. You’re not going to always be told yes. It’s a learning experience. If you are afraid to join because you are afraid of the response, you must advocate for yourself. If they say no, oh well; ask someone else. It’s good to be a part of things and to feel included.”
Williams also provided advice that helped her be successful. “Find happiness in your own story,” Williams said. “Embrace the journey, whether the situation is good or bad.”
