WKU News

Danielle Williams (she/her/hers) from Goodlettsville, TN, is approaching the end of her journey at WKU and the Mahurin Honors College (MHC). With graduation set for May 2025, Danielle is busy planning her next steps, which include a Fulbright application, graduate school applications, research lab duties, and her teaching responsibilities as an HON 251 fellow. Amidst her growing to-do list, she is particularly excited about her upcoming study abroad trip to Zanzibar during the Winter ’24 term.

Danielle had not planned to study abroad during her WKU journey, but a meeting with Lindsey Houchin of the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) changed her mind, explaining that “she gave me the idea about it – she was like ‘no, it’s always possible – just do it.’” This meeting motivated her to explore the Gilman scholarship, and with the support of OSD, Danielle was selected as a recipient in the spring 2024 cycle, alongside 17 other Hilltoppers.

Danielle’s willingness to embrace new experiences is evident throughout our conversation. Although she has been intentional in curating her academic, social, and professional experiences, she has also adapted to unexpected situations. For instance, WKU wasn’t initially on her list of potential schools, but a recommendation from a peer on her high school speech and debate team led her to explore WKU and its forensics program.

“One of the students I went to school with, Amanda Langford, was on the speech and debate team, and she was the first one to go to college for speech and debate. I saw that and thought, ‘oh wow, that’s amazing,’ and decided to audition for the team.” Danielle submitted her video audition just before performing in her high school’s production of Shrek. Specializing in acting events in speech and debate, she was well-prepared for the challenge.

Beyond WKU Forensics, Danielle has sampled a lot of academic and social involvement opportunities, however, being a teaching fellow for HON 251 has been her favorite, sharing that “I’m obsessed with that role… like I would give every second of my day if I possibly could.” She has also been an active member of a research lab that examines suicide and risk behavior prevention.

Initially interested in criminology and working with serious criminal offenders, a field trip led her to refocus her interests on psychological sciences, with a minor in neuroscience and a concentration in clinical psychology. “I have the ability to change lives in a way that I’ve never seen before, so that opened my mind to learning more about psychology.”

Her career goal is to become a “clinical psychologist, but in a more research-oriented pathway like in a psychiatric facility. I would like to work with people of color, I’ve not thought about working with criminalized individuals, but I think that will be a part of my path because working with people who are minorities in our community comes with people who are criminalized, people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, I believe my calling is working with any type of minoritized individuals who have experienced a specific type of trauma and to create a new intervention that is specific to them.”

Her choice of Zanzibar for her study abroad destination was influenced by its shorter program length and focus on healthcare. “Learning about different systems and how mental health is understood in various parts of the world is important to me.” She is particularly interested in how the historical legacy of Zanzibar, once the largest slave market during the transatlantic slave trade, impacts the current worldview and trauma of its citizens.

This trip will be Danielle’s first time traveling internationally. While her family supports her, they are naturally concerned about her traveling solo. Danielle is focusing on reinforcing her coping skills to ensure success. “I need to combat any negative thoughts. This summer, I’m practicing mindfulness, seeing a counselor, and making sure I’m mentally prepared.”

Danielle’s decision to study abroad initially terrified her mother, but she recognizes her unique position in her family. “I’m motivated to break generational curses and set a foundation for my sister, nieces, and nephews.” She credits her confidence to lessons learned at WKU, saying, “Being on this campus has equipped me to handle uncomfortable situations and think logically before reacting emotionally.”

Her self-awareness is a testament to the self-work she has done over the past years, and it empowers her to spread that positive message to others, sharing that “I’m not living this life for myself, I’m living this life as a testament for others to show others that you can do this, and do that, and you can live.” This belief was further reinforced by the Gilman scholarship application process, explaining that it “brought up things that I didn’t realize were reasons why I was, or am doing, the things I am. It really taught me, helped me figured out what it is I want to do. It was very transformative, I’m not gonna lie.”

As Danielle prepares to enter her senior year in Fall 2024, she reflects on her growth as a young adult. Her first year was filled with fun, freedom, and new experiences. She advises younger peers to take their time to explore and learn from others, emphasizing that peers are invaluable resources, stating that “I realized that this last year – peer mentors in the MHC, students just out there – going to talk to another student about their experiences and seeing their raw form of their experience” was educational.

No matter what comes next, Danielle feels that her WKU/MHC experience has prepared her for her next steps, which hopefully will include a gap year of study as a Fulbright student in Tanzania, followed by starting a graduate program in clinical psychology. She is full of dreams, explaining that she has always “had really big dreams. Even in my Gilman application, I led with the ‘little brown girl dreaming’ and I explained how I am a little brown girl dreaming of many different things and I want to be inspiration to other little brown girls dreaming that they can do this.”

Danielle’s journey underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, serving as a beacon of hope and motivation for other young individuals. With her passion and determination, Danielle is poised to make a significant impact in the field of clinical psychology and beyond, embodying the spirit of a true Hilltopper.