Jelena Williams

Plugging In

Jelena Williams
Florida Community College, Class of 2007

Jelena Williams’ tight-knit family isn't one for settling down. A self-described “Army brat,” Jelena was born in Germany where her father was stationed, but they soon moved to Arizona when he retired from the military. Retirement didn’t seem to slow the Williams family down much, as they then moved to Minnesota, where her brother’s wife had family. In 2000, that same brother and his wife vacationed in Florida. They enjoyed the trip — so much so that the entire family was inspired to move again, this time to Jacksonville.

And it was in Jacksonville where Jelena made the decision to return to school. She was working, but as a single mother, she knew she needed a career with better pay to provide the life she wanted for her two children. She chose Florida Community College because it was close and affordable. But it was the small classes and the sense of community that she came to enjoy. “In smaller classes, you can really form relationships with your classmates,” she says.

It was that sense of involvement that inspired Jelena to become a student ambassador at Kent Campus. Jelena speaks enthusiastically about the projects the ambassadors work on. “It's all about getting students plugged in, to know how much FCCJ has to offer them.”

Not one to stay settled for long, Jelena’s entire family is moving again in May. And we do mean “entire” — grown children, grandkids and even significant others. This time, they’re headed back to Minnesota. But thanks to online learning, Jelena will be able to complete her associate’s degree in health information management. She plans to earn her bachelor’s and eventually work in the health care field. “I love helping people,” she says. “Contributing to the happiness and well-being of others makes me happy.”

Jelena says she loves school, but she’s eager to finish and begin the next phase of her life in a professional career. She would also like to put down some more permanent roots by buying her own house. “I want to provide a home for my children, where they can look back and say ‘that’s where I grew up’.” It sounds like at least one member of the Williams family is ready to finally settle down.

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