College Student From Essex County Makes Dean’s List, Shares Tips For Success

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A college student from Bloomfield is seeing academic success at East Stroudsburg University, and has some tips for high school seniors who are about to begin chasing their own university degrees.

Mehki Williams, a freshman majoring in communications at East Stroudsburg University, recently made the dean’s list for the spring 2022 semester.

Williams – who attended Bloomfield High School for all four years – shared some advice for students at BHS who also want to make the grade. Our questions, and Williams' answers, follow below.

Patch: How did it feel when you made the dean's list? What thoughts went through your head?

Williams: Tons of emotions ran through my head when I received the news I made the dean’s list for my spring semester at East Stroudsburg University. Coming into college as freshman, I was anxious, eager, and worried. I wanted to strive to be the best version of myself and put myself in position to achieve any goal I ever wanted. Making the dean’s list was one of the many goals I wanted to accomplish this school year. My initial thought was being extremely proud of myself for exceeding my own expectations and continuing to push forward instead of being satisfied. I also thought about my family. My mother and father put me in position to succeed and have the opportunity to further my education to be in college. I grew up in Bloomfield attending Fairview Elementary, Bloomfield Middle School, and of course Bloomfield High, now college. They believed in me every stage of my life and supported everything I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ll forever be grateful for that. This was for them.

Patch: What did you learn during your time at Bloomfield High School that helped prepare you for success at East Stroudsburg University?

Williams: Bloomfield High School taught me so much in my four years that has played a part in my success at ESU. Bloomfield High School allowed me to work critically with other students and be able to communicate about the task at hand. The courses also have helped me in my overall development. The courses I’ve taken from my freshman year to my senior has helped me learn more about myself and geared me into the direction of studying communication. From learning about so many subjects and material, I learned how to work with people with different personalities, interests, and how to communicate with them to achieve a goal.

Patch: What advice do you have for local seniors at Bloomfield High School who are getting ready to make the leap to college?

Williams: Don’t over-stress yourself thinking about college. Going to college is a huge accomplishment in life and you should be ecstatic, but also eager to meet new people and be in a new environment. You aren’t going figure it all right away. Take every day – day by day – and know you aren’t alone there are millions of other students that may feel scared and worried. My last piece of advice which helped me tremendously is having a planner. Knowing what time every class you have a day and what assignments need to be turned in by a certain deadline is challenging to remember. A planner gives you the ability to jot everything down and be more organized.

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