Isaiah Williams – Senior Member of the Black Student Union

How long have you been in the Black Student Union? How were you introduced? What is your greatest strength in the group? 

I’ve been a member of the Black Student Union since 2021. I was introduced to BSU by Ms. Elmenshawy at the beginning of my junior year. I help with organizing and spreading awareness of the events we host, like the Charity Basketball Tournament we host on February 23rd after school.

Why is this organization important to you and HC as a whole? 

The Black Student Union provides a safe space for me to voice my opinions on conflicts occurring in school and nationwide. I can feel comfortable knowing that I’m surrounded by people who go through similar struggles that I experience. BSU is important to Central as a whole because we’re able to help other students address and resolve conflicts of racism that they encounter in their lives. We also provide a diverse perspective about social and cultural topics in the Central community.

What is your most memorable takeaway from this experience?

My biggest takeaway from being a BSU member is using my voice, leadership skills, and conflict resolution skills to help make Central a safer and more supportive community for students of color.

What other activities are you involved in at school (clubs, honors societies, sports, etc)?

I am a captain of the boys varsity golf team. I enjoy being on the team because I get to play my favorite sport with my friends and share my passion for the game. The advice of my coach and teammates has played a role in the improvement of my golf game. Additionally, sharing my tournament experiences with my teammates has helped me become a better leader. I’m also a Red Devil Ambassador, helping new students find their way around the school and feel comfortable transitioning into the community. I enjoy being an RDA because I get to meet new people from all over the world and learn about their lives. Being an RDA has helped me develop meaningful relationships with new people I meet.

What activities do you participate in outside of school?

I am a volunteer of the Hunterdon Outreach Golf Program, where we teach differently-abled athletes how to play golf. I enjoy seeing the athletes get excited about the game of golf and make new friends along the way. Volunteering within this program has improved my skills as a teacher, increased my awareness of others’ circumstances, and taught me how to better connect with others.

What do you do for fun?

I listen to music, practice/play golf, hang out with my friends, and play video games. All of these activities make me feel more connected with my friends and myself.

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

The thing I will miss most about Central is being around all of my friends in class, in between classes, and at lunch. I’ve enjoyed building relationships with my classmates and making new friends throughout the years.

Name at least one thing you want to do before you graduate?

One thing I want to do before graduation is help the golf team win the NJSIAA State Championship, so that we earn the #1 ranking for high school golf teams in New Jersey.

Plans after high school? College? Career? What are you looking forward to after high school?

This summer, I look forward to competing in high level golf tournaments throughout the country and improving my amateur golf ranking. For college, I look forward to being a part of the Seton Hall community and building new relationships there. In terms of my career, I want to be a professional golfer and play on the PGA Tour. My biggest goal is to become the #1 golfer in the world.

What is one way you have changed since freshman year?

Since freshman year, I’ve become more confident in my abilities to make friends and persevere through challenges I face academically and athletically. Early in my freshman year, I was a lot more closed off and didn’t hang out with many of my friends from middle school. However, as I made more friends and built on those relationships (despite being all virtual my sophomore year), I found it easier to be persistent in my school work and my aspirations as a golfer. 

Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?

If I was talking to my freshman self, I would say..

“Open up to more people and take advantage of opportunities to hang out with friends. Going out and being around people that bring out the best in you is very important, as it will help you grow as a person and become part of a community. Immersing yourself more in the Central community will be worth your time, and you will end up loving the place by the time you graduate.”