In her new career, Dajanae Williams looks over a project with Trevor Jung, Ryde Racine Transit and Mobility director.
“It’s because of Gateway that I have the skills and resources to pursue my passions, even though they seemed unrealistic a few years ago.”
— Dajanae Williams, Gateway Technical College graduate
Like many high-schoolers, Dajanae Williams was unsure what her future held.
She knew she wanted to go to college but didn’t know where to go or what to study. Dajanae initially applied to 16 colleges and was accepted at all of them. But how would she decide where to go?
Dajanae chose to enroll at Gateway Technical College to take a few classes as she made her decision. Little did she know, Gateway would change her life.
“I knew Gateway was more affordable than other colleges, and I wanted to be debt free, or to only have a small amount of loans, by the time I graduated,” she says.
“I knew a lot of people who were going to Gateway. I also knew Gateway had a variety of programs at different campuses, so I decided to enroll.”
Dajanae never left Gateway, earning her Business Management associate degree and serving as the college’s District Ambassador, representing the student body on campus and in area communities.
“It’s crazy to think that your mindset can change so quickly,” she says. “I thought I would go to Gateway and just get a few courses out of the way. But that was wrong. I stayed and realized my whole future because of Gateway.
“I am here, at this point. I didn’t think I would ever say that, and it’s because of Gateway that I have the skills and resources to pursue my passions, even though they seemed unrealistic a few years ago.”
Dajanae says she enjoyed how Gateway provides a path for students to reach their full potential.
“I liked the room I had for growth,” says Dajanae. “There are so many opportunities at Gateway, and I was able to connect with leaders at the college who were so encouraging. I don’t always see that with my friends who go to other colleges.”
Dajanae also believes Gateway prepared her well for a career in business.
Dajanae Williams, Gateway Technical College graduate
“Gateway is very hands-on,” she says. “You may have some lecture-based learning, but they want to see you in action. I’ve even been able to create my own business plan during a class.”
Gateway gave Dajanae the skills to enter her career at an area municipality, and her Gateway credits will also help her secure her four-year degree. She says most of the credits she earned at Gateway will apply toward her Business degree at UW-Milwaukee.
“I am on time to earn my four-year degree in two more years,” she says. “The transfer agreements help make my costs a lot cheaper, too. That’s for sure.”
“I think people have a vision that a two-year college is just there to take some courses and move on, and they may envision that there’s not much room for growth. That’s not true. I am so much further along than I ever thought I would be. I have hope and determination now because of Gateway.”
