Pine Creek High School senior focuses on seeking connections with

Colorado Springs Business Journal, Jan 14, 2005 by Jennifer Knight

With Williams, it's usually we, rarely I.

In addition to the honor of being selected as one of only 15 from her school for the Springs Youth Challenge, Williams is a mentor to incoming freshmen.

Creek Connections appoints 90 juniors and seniors at Pine Creek to help ease the transition from middle to high school.

High school, an undeniably trying time during adolescence, always ought to have a program like this-linking uncertain freshmen to able, confident and kind upperclassmen.

This year, Williams has 13 freshmen to keep an eye on.

We give them tours around school on orientation day, and then all year long, we try to be there for them when they need us, she said. We let them know they can always come find us to talk, and send them little notes each month about events and games and different activities. We're upperclassmen they can recognize in the hallway.

What would Williams say, to her generation? Nothing sanctimonious. Humility is one of Williams' dozens of strong suits.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. I know a lot of kids try to be something they're not-trying to find themselves in high school. But popularity is fleeting. I speak from experience, she said firmly. I was homecoming queen this year-this, she said with a trace of embarrassment-and it was an honor, but it's not exactly going to be on my resume to get a job. You have to keep your focus on what's important in life.