Major: Speech Communication
Veronica Williams Hall originally was a biology major with an interest in medicine when she joined the Forensics team.
“I realized that communication was my true passion,” she said. “Being a communication major, I feel equipped to really help people and touch their lives through the communication skills that I’ve acquired.”
Williams Hall is glad she selected College of DuPage, her top choice along with a private four-year university, which the cost of attending was too prohibitive. As a result, she was able to work while attending school full-time and receiving a quality education. She also learned about herself.
“Being at COD has been a life-changing experience because at a community college, school really becomes about you,” she said. “In high school, we were told everything that we must do in order to succeed. Here at COD, success directly correlates to how many times you fail, learn and pick yourself right back up. COD helped me reach my goals in both academic and personal ways by fostering an environment that encouraged the process of growth.”
Williams Hall, who was president of the African American Student Alliance, was a New Student Orientation team leader and participated in the Living Leadership Program, earned her Associate in Arts degree and transferred to Illinois State University. While at ISU, she was vice president of the Illinois State Forensics Union and a member of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council.
Having graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication, Williams Hall is using her skills as a motivational speaker to empower others.
“As for career goals, I hope to make a difference in the world through every person I speak to. I am a firm believer that change happens small at first and every little encounter matters.”
Her advice to students considering College of DuPage is to not be afraid to do something different.
“Attending COD allows for personal growth and increases the responsibility upon students to take care of themselves,” she said. “College is a safe place where you’re allowed to explore who you are. Take advantage of that. It may be life-altering, so follow your heart and soul.”