After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Williams decided he wanted more out of his education as an Aztec and joined the Community Based Block (CBB) graduate program in Counseling and School Psychology. In the Spring, Williams will earn his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with a concentration in Multicultural Community Counseling.
“[Community Based Block] changed my life,” Williams says of his program. “As a student in this program I am able to explore my emotions, past trauma, cultural identity, and life experience to facilitate personal growth, self-awareness, and healing.”
Outside the classroom, Williams has done more than enough to solidify his status as a leader on campus. Throughout his years as an Aztec, Williams has served as a Peer Leadership Consultant, Educational Opportunity Mentor, Diversity Peer Educator, Resident Advisor, an Executive Officer for the Afrikan Student Union, College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts representative for Associated Students Council, President of the Student African American Brotherhood and a Brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
Through his on-campus leadership, Williams has been able to ensure academic freedom and become an advocate for student rights at the local, state and national level. However, he claims that one of his biggest accomplishments at SDSU was being a part of the 2012 Homecoming court.
SDSU recognizes its Homecoming Court as “students who represent the entire student body by demonstrating a commitment to academics, campus involvement, service to the campus community and a desire to leave the campus better than when they arrived.”
“Over 40 students applied and only 12 were selected,” Williams said. “I never saw myself as a student leader until that moment.”
Through his work in the Counseling and School Psychology program, Williams has learned that each individual has a story that carries weight from past experiences, and that each individual is fighting his or her own battle. It is for this reason that Williams wants use his passion for helping others to pursue a career as a college counselor.
“I would not be where I am today if it was not for faculty and staff at SDSU,” Williams said. “The faculty of CBB has definitely created a safe space where I can explore.”
All of his work within the College of Education has prepared him to take the next steps in both his professional and academic careers. After earning his Master’s degree, Williams plans on pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Postsecondary Education. Watch Student Leadership Spotlight: Brandon Williams on YouTube