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Senior Recognized for Resilience and Leadership
Nisa Williams
Department: Psychology
Major: Psychology
Class: 2013
Senior, psychology major Nisa Williams is resilient. Though she describes herself as shy and introverted, she has found the confidence to help coordinate Ubuntu, a mentoring program in which Otterbein students mentor area high school and middle school students about the importance of preparing for college and community service.

“Ubuntu has given me the opportunity to be receptive to my environment and just be myself,” she said. “I am so humbled by the students that we mentor every session, and not only do I mentor and help the students, but they also help me and teach me life lessons.”

Nisa, who also serves as the executive administrator for Otterbein’s Gospel Choir and leads a small Bible study, was recently recognized by The Women’s Book magazine for her resilience, dedication to serving others and leadership.

Nisa said that having the opportunity to develop her leadership skills, as well as the fellowship and community service aspects of the Ubuntu program were what attracted her to the organization.
“Being a good leader means being receptive to ideas and setting a good example for those who are observing you,” she said. “Being a good leader means knowing how to be a team player. A leader knows when to speak up and when to listen; when to take control and when to step back.”

Nisa said that she hopes the students she mentors in the Ubuntu program gain a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, are able to set short- and long-term goals and continue developing their leadership skills for their future and the world.

“I hope that we as mentors can show them that we care about them, so that they can be motivated to accomplish their own personal life goals,” she said. “I hope that the teens can absorb resilience and prepare for the world’s challenges.”

Click here to see Nisa’s feature story in The Women’s Book.