Terry Ward
Updated on: October 7, 2024 12:42 am GMT
Embarking on a journey of personal transformation often feels like climbing a mountain—you face steep inclines, unexpected turns, and sometimes even the temptation to turn back. However, the view from the top is undoubtedly worth the struggle. For many, including William Harris, this journey can lead to remarkable achievements, such as completing a college degree while maintaining sobriety and building a fulfilling life.
William Harris is a beacon of resilience and determination. At 50, he is on the verge of completing his dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts at San Francisco State University. Underneath this academic success lies a history of struggle and triumph. Harris battled with alcoholism starting at just 13 years old. He turned to alcohol as a solution to his discomfort, but what began as a crutch spiraled into a serious addiction. His life reached a critical point when he hit a low that left him considering suicide, weighing only 126 pounds and plagued by illness.
The turning point came when he found the courage to reach out for help, joining Alcoholics Anonymous and rediscovering his faith. By November 2018, Harris achieved sobriety, a monumental milestone influenced by his desire for purpose and stability. The journey didn’t stop there; realizing that working in the restaurant industry, which glorified drinking culture, wasn’t conducive to his recovery, he sought advice from influential people in his life and decided to return to college.
With determination, he rebuilt his educational journey, starting at City College of San Francisco before transferring to SFSU. Harris advocated for himself, slowly increasing his course load until he was enrolled full-time while balancing three jobs. Through discipline and commitment, he maintained an impressive GPA of 3.97.
His academic career flourished, especially in classes like media aesthetics and electronic field production, which sparked his passion for broadcasting. Last summer, he secured a role as a promotion assistant with Bonneville International Corporation, where he had the incredible opportunity to travel to Greece to film documentaries with fellow alumni.
Harris also channeled his creativity into student projects, like his radio show “All About the Movie Soundtrack,” where he and classmates explore the magic behind film music. Reflecting on his journey, Harris expresses immense pride in his growth: “There has been healing, restoration, and transformation, all thanks to my faith and the community around me.”
William Harris’s story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to rise above challenges. His experience resonates with those who may feel trapped by their circumstances, showcasing that change is possible with support, faith, and hard work. If you find yourself on a similar path, know that you aren’t alone, and the steps you take today could lead to a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow.
If William’s story inspires you or if you’re on your own journey, we’d love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your experiences might really help someone who needs it!
