Despite being legally blind – and suffering a series of personal difficulties and hardships – Middlesex Community College alum Earl Williams never lost focus in pursuing his dream to become an advocate for children.
The 45-year-old Lowell resident recently graduated with an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences with a Psychology Concentration, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMass Lowell.
Prospective students and their families – as well as adult learners interested in continuing their education – can learn about MCC’s 70+ degree and certificate programs at a Bedford Campus Open House, to be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, in the Bedford Campus Center, 591 Springs Road. For more information, visit: www.middlesex.mass.edu/OH or call 1-800-818-3434.
In 2014, while working for the IRS, Williams enrolled at MCC hoping to advance his career by furthering his education. However, he discovered his true calling at Middlesex.
Through the Office of Disability Support Services, Williams received special accommodations for his visual impairment and began to succeed academically. He then decided to commit to earning a college degree and helping children involved with the foster-care system – something he was quite familiar with.
Williams fostered and adopted his second son, Kevin, which sparked his interest in helping underprivileged children. “I felt I could provide a safe and nurturing home full of love and guidance,” he said. His extraordinary commitment did not go unnoticed. In 2014, Williams received the Merrimack Valley Department of Children & Families Foster Parents of the Year Award.
He also knew something about being a disadvantaged child. Growing up in Miami, Williams was abused at home, and eventually removed and enrolled in a school for the blind – an event he now considers his saving grace. “In a very real way, that boarding school saved my life,” he said.
As an adult, Williams experienced discrimination because of his disability, as well as for his sexual orientation. He moved to Lowell in 2004 to build a new life. The legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts gave him hope he’d be able to live the life he always aspired to, rather than enduring continual intolerance.
His positive experience at Middlesex empowered Williams to stay on course and continue working toward his dream. “I now know my calling is working with children who need strong advocates in their lives.”
During his time at MCC, Williams was very engaged. He was selected to be one of two Student Speakers to address the Class of 2018 at Commencement exercises. He also worked with Disability Support Services, the TRIO Program, and the Academic Center for Excellence.
“Middlesex has been more than just my community college,” said Williams. “It has also been my family. MCC has been instrumental in my growth as a student.”
Williams hopes to continue his education all the way to earning a Ph.D. in psychology. He feels he’s leaving Middlesex, “a compassionate and more enlightened human being.”
Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!
