For SOC graduate student Terrance Williams, receiving the A-Mark Foundation Scholarship solidifies that pursuing a future in journalism is the right decision.

"As I begin my journey into professional journalism, I see this as a confirmation that I am indeed in the right place and on the right track," Williams said. The award, he explained, allows him to focus fully on refining his craft with the goal of becoming one of the great journalists that will graduate from AU. "I also see it as a stepping stone," he added, "a chance to ensure I can concentrate on my studies and show newsrooms that I have what it takes to succeed." The A-Mark Foundation Scholarship was created to support aspiring journalists and foster the next generation of professionals in the field. 

From childhood road trips with his father to travelling both inside and outside the US Army, Williams has always been eager to see new places and learn how people live. "Seeing similarities across cultures and continents is always fascinating to me," he explained, a perspective that ultimately planted the seeds of his ambition to become a foreign correspondent.

Williams' professional and educational experiences have since provided him with a unique skill set for journalism. His time in the military equipped him with the abilities necessary to collect and evaluate data under pressure, which are immediately applicable to reporting in distant or challenging foreign settings. During his service, he pursued a career in IT, graduating from Webster University with a degree in IT Project Management. He also earned a Political Science degree from Howard University, which broadened his knowledge of international institutions, governance, and policy - insight that now guides the breadth and context of his reporting. "Combining these experiences has given me a unique perspective," Williams said. "In a world that is increasingly data-driven, planning and analysis are essential tools for any journalist. The combination of those skills can be a superpower."

Outside the classroom, Williams finds his greatest joy in family life, especially in being a father to his three-year-old son. "I love being a dad," he said. "I’m constantly working on being more available and being the best dad possible." Parenthood, he explained, has shifted his perspective on what matters most, giving him a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper empathy that he hopes to bring into his reporting. The patience, resilience, and attentiveness he practices at home are the same qualities he believes make for a thoughtful journalist.

To balance the demands of graduate school and parenting, Williams turns to simple but grounding routines. He enjoys running to clear his mind, cooking as a creative outlet, reading to fuel his curiosity, and taking long drives as a way to slow down and reflect. These moments, though small, are essential ways he recharges so he can stay focused on both his family and his career.

Looking ahead, Williams has a clear vision for where he wants to go. "In five years I want to be part of a team of journalists who [are] known for writing insightful, honest, hard-hitting news that makes people’s lives better," he said. For him, the A-Mark Foundation Scholarship isn’t just a recognition of his potential - it's a sign that he’s on the right path. "I think this scholarship will help demonstrate that that is the type of reporter I am striving to be."