October Alumni of the Month: Bryanna Williams
DPSF’s October DPS Alumni of the Month is Bryanna Williams! Born and raised in Durham, Bryanna attended several Durham Public Schools and graduated from Hillside High School in 2017.
After high school, Bryanna earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Winston-Salem State University in 2021 and her Master’s Degree in K-12 School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2022. She now works as a School Counselor at Northern High School, continuing to make a difference in DPS.
Bryanna’s time at Hillside was filled with meaningful experiences in the Marching Band, Soul Singers, Glee Club, Choir, and Theatre Department, where she learned important life lessons and developed a deep passion for music. These early experiences helped shape her confidence and discipline, preparing her for college and her professional career. Read our interview with Bryanna below.
DPSF: Tell us about you - what DPS schools did you attend? What are you doing now?
Bryanna: I was born and raised in Durham. I attended several Durham Public Schools elementary schools and, following in the footsteps of my siblings, graduated from Hillside High School in 2017.
After graduating from Hillside, I attended Winston-Salem State University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2021. I then attended UNC-Chapel Hill to earn my Master’s Degree in K-12 School Counseling in 2022, and I am now a School Counselor at Northern High School.
DPSF: What does DPS or your school community mean to you? How has it helped shape you into who you are today?
Bryanna: Attending Hillside was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Being a part of the Marching Band, Soul Singers, Glee Club, Choir, and Theatre Department taught me a lot about life lessons, professionalism, and discipline early on. These experiences helped build my confidence in performing musically and encouraged my own musical endeavors. Rehearsing and performing at a high level of professionalism allowed me to fall in love with my craft, fueling my aspirations to make it my full-time career. Learning these skills early prepared me well for college and life, equipping me to handle anything that comes my way regarding music, my career, and my life.
DPSF: What’s your favorite memory from your time at DPS?
Bryanna: It would definitely have to be performing in all of the plays I was involved in, as well as being selected as a student to sing at the Presidential Rally for Hillary Clinton when she came to Durham.
DPSF: Is there a teacher who influenced you most along the way? What's their name and how did they make a difference?
Bryanna: The teacher who influenced me the most is Ms. A (Tiffany Agerston). She was my chorus teacher, and she truly believed in me, pushing me to be my best as a vocalist and as a person. She attended my first audition for an event after I graduated and continues to support me in my endeavors today.
DPSF: What’s one piece of advice you would give to current DPS students?
Bryanna: Believe in yourself and trust the people who believe in you. The individuals who push you the most see greatness within you.
Are you interested in becoming a DPS Alumni of the Month? Find more information here: https://www.bullcityschools.org/alumni