Sean Williams Sr.

My name is Sean Theodore Williams Sr. I started my college journey in California , the same year I left the military and my Airborne unit.

Unfortunately, my life prior to 2015 did not prepare me for what was in store over the next 5 years. The family support I thought I had, turned their backs on me when I lost my 3 children to OCS. It was then I learned I wanted to be a lawyer. I subsequently filed my own motions and petitions and won my children back without ever being accused of a crime. After gaining back custody of my children, I learned that I would have to move to Alaska within a month to meet them here in Fairbanks.

My wife and I sold everything we owned. While I was driving through the states to Alaska, I was a full time student at UAF. Unfortunately the move set me back and I flunked the summer semester and owed UAF before I could register for classes again. I had to pause my schooling for a semester.

Once I had moved, I started working at the KFC A&W off of Airport Way. I had found a job only after 2 day in a town, while still homeless and without any support for myself or my children. I stayed in the shelter in order to gain access to housing through the VA program. After staying in the homeless shelter I eventually was able to get a place in North Pole.

I started saving again. Eventually, I was able to pay off my flunked semester. This is where I was introduced to the SSS program. Not having any family support made it difficult for me. I was skipping meals so my kids would have extra food to eat, and when I could I would go to the SSS department and grab a bite to eat.

I knew that one day my hard work and sacrifice would pay off, I would be able to find a better job, and I did. I currently work as a case manager assisting and supporting at risk youth in anchorage. My years have been filled with grief and heartbreak, yet I never gave up on the hope that one day I would graduate with my bachelor’s degree.

As I close out my final semester, my hope is if there are parents out there working full-time, barely scraping by to raise their kids, that they may one day read this and believe in themselves as I have believed in myself. I am a normal father put in an abnormal situation unwilling to give up. NEVER QUIT!