Jadyn Batch

Karizma Williams is a Sophomore from Maryland who certainly lives up to her name. She’s an entrepreneur and positive role model for her peers who not only has not one, but five platforms she uses to connect with others and express herself. Miss Williams sat down with us to give us an insight on who she is.

Karizma Williams expressing her love for her school, Delaware State University. Photo by: Karizma Williams

Hornet: Can we get to meet the woman behind the face?

Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?

Karizma: I was born in PG County, Maryland. My upbringing was pretty great; I was raised by my single mom along with the help of my grandma and great grandma.

Hornet: Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the man/woman you are today?

Karizma: My mother, she’s a single mom, so she’s been the person I look up to the most. She’s always been there for me, she’s my back bone, and she shows me the real definition of perseverance. So honestly, my mother, she’s my biggest motivation.

Hornet: What about your family?

Karizma: My family is pretty small in my opinion. I am an only child; however, my family is very supportive and religious and they are a great support system.

Hornet: Can you tell us of your education history and your job/education experience prior to attending or taking a job at Delaware State University?

Karizma: I went to three high schools that I always got good grades at. I had seasonal jobs as well. My education experience was pretty good, I just moved a lot.

Hornet: What was the most memorable point at that job/school?

Karizma: My most memorable point during my years of education was when I went to prom, that moment really showed me how fast life goes.

Hornet: Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago?

Karizma: Not at all, I am doing way better than I ever expected. I am so proud of myself and how much I have grown as a person.

Hornet: What informed your decision on doing what you’re doing now?

Karizma: I decided to follow my passion and what I love doing and that really lead me to where I am today.

Hornet: What are your plans for the future?

Karizma: Of course I want to make the dean’s list continuously, but overall, I want to make my mark on this campus in a positive way. I want people to hear my name and make an impact and be a voice, platform, and help make my university change and shift for a more positive atmosphere.

Hornet: What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?

Karizma: There’s no ideal, perfect entrepreneur, just be yourself, stand your ground, don’t let anyone tell you can or cannot do something, follow your dreams, and do what you love. Your passion is the most important thing, don’t do what the person next to you is doing; follow your heart, your intuition, your gut, and remember that the only thing that stops you from doing what you love is yourself.

Karizma Williams perfecting her work. Photo by: Visuals By Riz

Hornet: How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?

Karizma: Higher education in America today is a scam in my opinion. Why do we pay thousands of dollars for a degree that is supposed to certify us in a career in our field yet some people don’t even get a job in that field.

Hornet: Have you ever travelled outside of the United States?

Karizma: Yes, I have been to Mexico.

Hornet: Where, and how does life outside compare to that in the US?

Karizma: There was a lot of poverty and low income places. They work a lot for little amounts of pay.

Hornet: What does the future hold for America?

Karizma: I’m not sure what the future holds for America, but I plan to be a boss or in a high position at a company that deals with making positive changes, not only in America, but in the world.

Hornet: Are you interested in politics? If no, why not? What is your take on the state of politics and the future of the American democracy?

Karizma: No I am not interested in politics. I plan on working on that though because the more knowledgeable I am about the world the more power I have.

Hornet: What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities and how would you describe your philosophy of life? (That is, how do you see this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward?)

Karizma: I had a reality check this year and I realized that life doesn’t wait for you, so basically, I started to tune in more of myself and figure out what I liked, and I realized that I liked art. Art is my escape in how I cope with things, just my getaway. Also, photography, how that started was I always loved taking pictures and getting pictures taken of myself and being able to capture a moment is something special to me. Lastly, spoken word, I’ve always written poetry when I was younger and I’m just now getting the confidence to share with the world.

Artwork by Karizma Williams, dedicated for a breast cancer patient. Photo by: Visuals By Riz

Hornet: Let us end this interview with a memorable quote from you. How would you describe yourself to the world?

Complete the sentence: “Karizma Williams is…”

Karizma: Karizma Williams is a daily work in progress because everyday I’m learning, growing, and trying to become a better version of myself.