29 April 2024 From student to star employee

New graduate Sophie Williams’ Lincoln journey led to finding the answer to a fundamental question.

“It was only by coming to Lincoln and doing my degree that made me find my ‘Why’, realising that working in disability support was the path I wanted to head down," Sophie says. 

They are now a Regional Programmes Coordinator for Star Jam, an organisation that supports young people with disabilities.

“This job popped up in Wellington and was like a dream come true – it’s very exciting and is starting me on my career journey in the disability community.”

“Some people might be confused about how my degree (Bachelor of Commerce with Global Business major) connects to my passion for working in the disability community. Every course I have taken (compulsory and electives) has provided me with the soft and hard skills to do my job now. Lincoln taught me to keep going, stand up for and include others and think outside of the box.”

I wouldn't be the person I am now without those experiences.

They had a personal connection with the sector and organisation. Sophie’s brother had a disability, so they volunteered in Lincoln for StarJam for two years. As part of their Future Leader Scholarship, they organised an event in Rolleston to connect the disabled community with organisations that could help them.

Sophie was very busy in their time on campus, co-leading the Rainbow Club ‘SPACE’ and being influential in instituting a rainbow crossing at the University. They also coordinated Pride Week celebrations on campus and received a Supreme Gold Award for Service.

“My highlights of Lincoln were the strong relationships I built between classmates, roomies, club members, lecturers, and staff.

“My time would not have been as enjoyable if I wasn't around the people who were there. They made every second worth the struggle of getting outside of my comfort zone.”

“Honestly, my main reason for choosing Lincoln was to be close to home. I wasn't at the point to move across the country but being at Lincoln helped me to get to that point, and now I'm in Wellington.”

Many fear getting lost in the crowd, including Sophie when starting her Uni journey.

But she explains, “Instead with Lincoln, I could talk to my lecturers and staff whenever I had personal or other students’ issues.”

Now Sophie is applying all they learnt from their Lincoln experiences in and out of the classroom to help another community take its place on the public stage, and at the same time, make us all proud.

Congratulations Sophie.