Lex Williamson

Lex Williamson
My name is Lex Williamson. I am 31 years old, and I dropped out of high school at the age of 17 because I was not motivated and chose to follow the wrong crowd. Growing up I got into trouble and it finally caught up with me, I received a felony charge and was sent to prison.  I spent a few years in prison, and decided that there must be something more to life.  I decided to try to get my HSE while I was in jail. I did not get the chance to complete my HSE when I was in jail, but as soon as I was released I saw a commercial for the "Work Ready U" program. I figured that I may as well give it a try. When I enrolled in the WRU program and began classes I continued to tell my teachers and the staff that I just wanted my HSE. I did not want to go to college. I just wanted to work. Close to the end of the semester, I had obtained my HSE.  During the semester, I noticed that other students were asking me for assistance in the computer course as well as math. I didn't even realize that I was actually good at it, but the instructor and the staff noticed and I was once again encouraged to give college a try. After the semester was over I continued to think about what the staff at the Literacy Council told me:

"You are smart, and we believe in you, Lex. Please consider going to college."

After hearing, "We believe in you Lex" "You CAN do college Lex" I began to think maybe I can do it. I then made the decision to enroll in SOWELA Technical Community College and I am now in my third semester in the Industrial Electrician program.  I am also working at the Literacy Council through the workstudy program at Sowela. Through the workstudy program, I have been tutoring students and I have become a role model for students who think there is no way they can go to college. I have shared my story with as many students that I can and hopefully I can encourage or motivate them. I always tell them, " It takes hard work and dedication, but if Lex can do it, you can do it".