My Dallas College Journey: How STEM Experiences Led Me from Hesitation to Hope

Nov. 3, 2025

In celebration of National STEM Day, Raina Williams shares her story of hope and progress on her journey with Dallas College STEM and the holistic support she’s received from the programs and faculty. 

By Raina Williams 

Growing up in Dallas, I never imagined college would be part of my story. I was homeschooled throughout high school, and, at the time, my mother was sick. At 18, I had no intention of attending college after graduation — I loved riding horses and wanted to pursue horseback riding full-time and travel. 

But my family sat me down to talk about the importance of education. My mother had been my biggest influence when it came to how I viewed learning. She served in the military as a medical specialist and later worked at Stults Elementary. In the fall of 2002, she began taking classes at Dallas College Richland Campus, and she always emphasized, "Learn all you can and share it with anyone you come across. Education is open to anyone as long as you're willing to put in the work." 

During that family conversation, my mother asked me something that changed everything: "If you could be or do anything in your life, what would it be? Whatever comes to mind, go for it. If you work hard, you can achieve it." 

Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor, but I often felt like I needed to be some groundbreaking genius or a person of elite status to actually hold that title. I was given a choice: go to college or start working. I started working at a veterinary hospital and later began taking one class per semester at Richland, initially planning to major in psychology. 

Discovering STEM League: A Turning Point 

That changed when I was invited to a STEM League information session. I remember sitting at home, listening to Dr. Jason Treadway, director of the STEM Institute at Dallas College, and the diverse group of students during the Teams meeting introductions. That's when I realized that pursuing a STEM field might actually be feasible for me. I was nervous, but that experience planted the idea that I could challenge myself and succeed in a STEM major.

Initially, I was very shy. I would attend classes, go straight home, and hardly speak to anyone. If you were to ask my family now, they would probably say that Richland has become my second home. STEM Advisor and Coordinator Fabiola Resendiz pushed me out of my shell by getting me involved on campus and with STEM League through volunteering. 

The Power of Undergraduate Research  

STEM gives me hope and a community of people who genuinely care and want to see me succeed. The number one resource I would highlight is the Undergraduate Research at Dallas College (UR@DC) program, which helps students strengthen lab skills, do in-depth research projects, learn how to use lab equipment, and participate in research program experiences at Dallas College. 

Most graduate schools require some form of research, and as a pre-med student, the environment can feel cutthroat — everyone wants to secure a research position. 

I applied to many research programs and faced countless rejections until I applied to ARISE under UR@DC. In Spring 2025, I participated in the ARISE: Micro Friends on Us program — a nine-week advanced research initiative designed for students interested in biology, microbiology and medicine. 

In October 2025, I was selected to present my research poster at the GMIS Conference in San Diego. If you had told me a year ago I would be traveling to share my passion, I never would have believed it. Standing proudly in front of my poster and presenting my work to fellow students and professionals has been one of the proudest moments of my college journey so far.

My Life as a Student Leader 

A typical week for me looks intense. I work full-time at a hospital, and after work, I attend classes. In between, I serve as vice president of STEM League and vice president over student success with the Honors Student organization, so I'm constantly responding to emails and texts, monitoring social media pages, helping STEM League chapter students schedule appointments, or deciphering their transfer guides. On top of that, I volunteer, study and balance everything else that comes with being an active student leader. 

I'm part of TRIO, the Honors Program and STEM League at Dallas College. I've attended and volunteered at student orientation, ASME [American Society of Mechanical Engineers] competition, HSO awards ceremony, resource fairs, fall fest, biology courses with Girls in Neuroscience, Texas Association of Black Female Physicians summer brunch, and the UTSW Research conference.

What I've Learned 

Throughout my journey at Dallas College, I've learned how empathetic and resilient I am. If you tell me no, I will find another way. What many of my peers don't know is that, despite what might look like a success story, my journey has been filled with thousands of "no's" and rejections. But I carry a strong desire to make my mark and never give up. 

If I could give advice to incoming students, I would tell them this: Life gives each of us a unique hand of cards, and how we play them shapes our journey. Your life will be full of assignments, and not just the ones due for your classes, but the assignments of life. Learn to balance them. Play your cards wisely. Be there for your family and friends, because those connections matter most. You only have one life. Embrace it boldly, commit to your goals, and live without regret. The effort you put in now will shape the person you become tomorrow. 

I hope my Dallas College legacy is that I’m remembered in the way I supported and uplifted others. I want students who come after me to know that their voices matter; their dreams are attainable, and their struggles do not define their limits. 

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