Hi, my name is Josiah Lee Williams, and I was born and raised in Vallejo, California. Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned early that nothing would be handed to me. There were moments where things felt uncertain—times when making it to college didn’t feel guaranteed—but those moments didn’t break me, they built me. Watching my parent work hard every day with limited resources pushed me to want more, not just for myself, but for my family’s future.

Today, I’m proud to be a first-generation college student at Virginia State University, majoring in Computer Science. I chose Computer Science because I want to become a software engineer and eventually work in artificial intelligence—building technology that can create opportunities, solve real-world problems, and inspire others who come from backgrounds like mine. To me, this isn’t just a career path—it’s a way to change my life and give back. Being here means everything to me. It means breaking cycles. It means showing that where you start doesn’t determine where you can finish.

But the reality is, the financial burden of college is heavy. Between tuition, books, housing, and daily expenses, it’s a challenge that I can’t overcome alone. There have been moments where I’ve had to question how I would keep going—but giving up has never been an option. That’s why I’m asking for your support. Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping me continue my education and stay focused on achieving my goals. If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

I’m not just asking for help—I’m asking for a chance. A chance to finish what I started. A chance to build a better future. A chance to prove that someone from Vallejo, from a single-parent home, can rise, succeed, and give back. Thank you for believing in me and being part of my journey.

— Josiah Lee Williams