Tyoni Williams came to K-State to study architecture and is leaving as a journalist. Her mom was not surprised.
“She was confused that I didn’t initially pick journalism because I’ve always been obsessed with storytelling,” Williams said. “But then she said, ‘You’ll find you.’”
And she did. As a mass communications major.
“I’ve always been interested in storytelling,” she said. “I was a big book nerd in elementary and middle school. I’ve always been obsessed with writing and am good at it.”
Williams built on her classroom learning and broadened her writing experience while interning with Lents Mazur & Associates, a strategic consulting firm in St. Louis.
“I had never written a press release or professional social media content before,” she said. “So writing things for a company to actually use was an invaluable experience.”
She also left the classroom and went to Costa Rica as part of a Latinx literature class. Though the trip was only a week, what she learned will last a lifetime. In addition to helping clean rivers and parks, she worked with a medical clinic for their unhoused population.
“It was very emotional meeting the people we were helping,” Williams said. “I realized the experience was more likely to change my life than the people I was helping. I gained more perspective about the world.”
What’s her advice to other students about internships or travel?
“Just go for it,” she said. “If there is not a way, make a way.”
What I’ve learned
Weirdest class you took – Philosophy of Horror. “It’s funny because I don’t like scary movies! We discussed why people are scared of certain things and want to be scared.”
Lasting impression of Costa Rica – The beautiful lifestyle. “It’s so peaceful and clean, and their country is deep into sustainability. I also saw a sloth — it was so cute and amazing. Now I keep a sloth stuffed animal next to my computer as a reminder!”
