JTC 25: Perseverance Pays off

Putting others first has been Brandi Williams’ standard operating procedure for many years. But in May, Williams and her family will celebrate the endurance and hard work it has taken her to accomplish one of her own goals that is over 20 years in the making: earning her college degree in social work.

A child of military parents, Williams was born in Chicago in 1983, but her family moved to the Tupelo area when she was in third grade. She graduated from Tupelo High School in 2001 and began taking college courses at Mississippi State University before transferring to Itawamba Community College in Fulton.

In 2009, she married fellow Tupelo High graduate, Jurrard Williams and began moving around the country for his career in the U.S. Army. The family grew along the way, adding Jacquez, Jordan Joshua and Jocelynn, all while relocating periodically to various military bases including Fort Lewis-McChord in Washington, Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Polk in Louisiana.

In June 2016, Sgt. Jurrard Williams died while on duty at Fort Polk due to health complications. Brandi moved her children back to Tupelo and began to consider returning to college.

“I had been a stay-at-home mom for quite a while, but my husband had been encouraging me to go back to school for several years,” she said. “My family was my motivation for wanting to continue my education when we moved back to Tupelo.”

In 2018, Williams decided to carry on toward earning her degree and enrolled at ICC's Tupelo campus and later at the University of Mississippi at Tupelo. But when COVID-19 hit, she needed to take a break from classes to care for her children.

She did eventually arrive back on the UM-Tupelo campus to discuss her plans to continue classes with academic adviser Brian Ezell.

“She just never gave up,” Ezell said. “Brandi embodies quiet strength and true grit.

“Her remarkable determination is undoubtedly fueled by the inspiration of her late husband, a dedicated military serviceman, and her deep love for her children.”

Williams said Ezell continually encouraged and helped her along her journey.

“No matter how many times I took a break, Brian kept in contact with me,” Williams said. “Anytime I had any questions, I was able to ask him. When I knew I was ready to come back to school, Brian was ready and waiting to help me make that happen.”

Williams said she decided to major in social work after learning more about the profession from her sister-in-law, who worked with the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services.

“Seeing the joy on her face when she did her job made me want to help people in that way as well,” Williams said. “I’ve always wanted to help people; I just never could find the right path at the right time.

“Coming back to Tupelo and having the chance to speak with others in the field helped me to make up my mind.”

As part of one of her courses this spring, Williams helped host an autism awareness and acceptance event in connection with son Jordan’s archery team from Tupelo High School.

The event titled, “Aiming Awareness for Autism,” allowed Williams and a few of her classmates to speak at an archery match last month at the school. The group shared information about awareness and available resources for autistic community members.

Senior archery team members took a shot at blue balloons — the color that represents autism awareness — as the last shot of the competition.

“We learned that team members and guests at the match were interested in the information and wanted to share with us about friends and loved ones of their own who were on the spectrum,” she said. “If that’s what social work is — seeing the smile on people’s faces when you understand parts of their lives and work to help others understand their conditions and needs — that’s what I want to be a part of.”

Williams will complete the final requirements for her degree this summer as a social work intern at the North Mississippi State Hospital in Tupelo.

Her deep compassion and sincere desire to make a difference in people’s lives was evident throughout her time in the program, said Shane Robbins, a social work instructor at the Tupelo regional campus.

“Brandi’s calm demeanor, genuine empathy and ability to build rapport were impressive and showcased her natural ability to connect with others,” Robbins said.

Williams says she would like to work for a few years in a community outreach program and continue her education to earn a master’s degree in social work. Her ultimate career goal is one that holds a special place in her heart.

“I would love to work on the VA (Veteran’s Assistance) side and help veterans and other military families like mine,” she said. “The military has done so much for us. They were with us every step of the way when I lost my husband, and I would like to give back to them.”

Williams had some encouraging words for others who may be considering going back to school after an extended absence.

“No matter how long it takes, don’t give up,” she said. “Keep trying. You’ll be happy to see where it leads you.”

Top: Brandi Williams will begin her career as a social worker this fall. She plans to specialize in assisting veterans and their families. Submitted photo

See more photos from Brandi Williams' Journey to Commencement