‘I Found What I Love’: Graduating Senior Celebrates Her Passion for Teaching

Growing up in Kingstree, South Carolina, Calayah Williams knew from the beginning that USCA was the place for her.

“The size of the campus, the dorms, the way everything was right there, it just felt like a second home,” she said. “I also met Dr. Tim Lintner and the Teaching Fellows team, and they made me feel so welcomed.”

“Becoming an educator is much more than time spent in classrooms. It is a combination of passion, reflection, innovation, care, and a true belief that every student can learn,” said Lintner, a professor within the School of Education. “Since Calayah joined our Teaching Fellows family, she has always believed that students learn.”

Education felt like a natural path for her. With a mother, grandmother and aunts all working as teachers, she’s known since childhood that she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

As Williams gets ready to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education on Dec. 11, she says her collegiate journey is one that she’s the most thankful for.

“I was very shy when I first came in,” Williams said. “But Dr. Lintner helped pull me out of my shell. Becoming an admissions ambassador helped, too, but pledging Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated yanked me all the way out.”

Her involvement in Greek life became a major turning point. Inspired by her uncle, who is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, she researched the organizations on campus and eventually found her home in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a historically black Greek lettered organization. Crossing in Spring 2024, she quickly became involved in service projects, including redecorating a room for local teenagers through Helping Hands.

“We wanted them to feel loved,” she said. “That project meant a lot to me.”

Another cause close to her heart is prematurity awareness, something she is especially passionate about as a premature baby herself. “I understand firsthand how challenging those early moments can be for both families. It’s something that shaped who I am, and it reminds me how strong and resilient the tiniest fighters can be.”

While her campus involvement helped her grow socially and personally, her academic journey was shaped by influential professors who supported her through challenges, big and small. She gives special credit to Dr. Deborah McMurtrie, who taught her in introduction to educational psychology and math for instructional purposes.

“Calayah is an extraordinary student and teacher candidate,” McMurtrie said. “I remember her enthusiasm and passion for working with young people. She was very skilled in using Canva and was always willing to share her expertise. She is going to be an amazing teacher.”

Williams added that she is especially grateful to McMurtrie for helping her prepare for and pass the Praxis exam, a key assessment for individuals entering the teaching profession.

She also expressed gratitude for Dr. Michelle Rasheed, an assistant professor within the School of Education, who served as her supervisor during her internship. “She supported me when I was unsure of myself. She always told me she was proud of me,” Williams said.  

Her internship in a second-grade classroom at J.D. Lever Elementary School in Aiken proved to be transformative. Despite having experience as a substitute teacher and daycare worker, teaching in a public-school classroom full-time was new territory.

“It was a learning curve, but I fell in love with my babies,” Williams said with a smile. “I really love teaching math and reading. I found what I love.”

Her passion for teaching goes beyond academics. She believes deeply in the importance of representation in classrooms.

“Kids need teachers, especially Black teachers, who look like them,” Williams said. “You shouldn’t enter this profession unless you truly want to be there. My advice is to embrace everything that comes with it, regardless of pay or behavior challenges. At the end of the day, they’re just kids.”

“She is an advocate, a colleague, a problem-solver, and a champion for all students. Her experiences coupled with her passion has enabled her to grow into the remarkable educator she is today,” Lintner said.

Now, as she prepares to graduate a semester early, she’s looking toward what comes next and hopes to get into graduate school through USCA’s Educator Leadership program.

“I’m excited to step into leadership roles one day,” she said. “I’m still learning about the program, but I know it’s the next step for me.”

Williams, along with 467 fellow degree candidates, will attend the commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Convocation Center.

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.