Chase
Chase Williams
Enrollment Advisor/Spectrum Arizona Chair
Chandler, Arizona
“Ultimately, all we have is time, and I am learning to use my time effectively.”
Why does learning matter to you?
Learning is the only way we can do better. In a world of misinformation, it is important that we ensure the validity of the source material from which we learn to ensure we are obtaining an unbiased understanding. We should not rely on others to teach us; rather we must take the initiative to dive into uncomfortable topics and perform necessary self-examinations. It is important to note that, as humans, we will never be complete, we are always changing and adapting. What we may have thought to be true just a brief time ago may turn out to be a misunderstanding or an inherent bias. It is our duty to correct our mindsets. We must also acknowledge that what we have been taught may not be correct, such as our history textbooks being written from the perspective that our respective countries are validated in their actions. We learn by reading. We learn by listening. We learn through our lens and our lived experiences. We must also learn to view the world from the lens of others so that we can grasp a more global understanding of the shared experiences we may not come across ourselves. It is equally important to know that we do not know everything, and even for topics that we know well, there is still more to learn. We must not be complacent with stagnation. This is why we continue to learn.
What are you learning currently?
I’m learning to look at myself as an agent of change. I am also critically evaluating my actions, including those of the past, and it can be quite uncomfortable to confront these missteps. I attempt to use the resources at hand to develop myself further as a diversity, equity, and inclusion leader at Pearson, and I do my best to disseminate these resources whenever possible. Additionally, I’m learning how to take care of myself. It is equally as important to receive, as it is to give. I’m learning that there is a difference between being selfish and paying attention to one’s self-care. Through gardening, I am learning more patience. Through caring for my dog, Willowdean, I am learning that time is valuable, and these memories will be precious. Ultimately, all we have is time, and I am learning how to use my time effectively.
How are you always learning?
I’m staying open to change. I keep my mind open to any possibility that I may be wrong about something, and if I enter a conversation where I may be ignorant on a topic, I will take it upon myself to research the topic to gain an understanding. Additionally, I am consistently taking courses that either serve as a benefit to my overall knowledge, such as courses in science and mathematics, or courses that serve as developmental material for the future, such as courses about leadership. I reach out to my friends to seek their thoughts and perceptions, and though my friends and I often share the same mindset, occasionally I will come across an individual who has a completely different worldview than my own. It is through these challenging conversations that I either solidify my own beliefs or work in retrospection to address any problematic ideologies I may possess. I realize that I’m not here to teach, rather I’m here to learn, and often I find value in keeping my ears open more often than my mouth.
Joined Pearson
2018
Hometown
Houston, Texas, United States
Education
B.S. Biological Sciences
Interests & Hobbies
Gardening (coleus, caladiums, desert roses), translating scientific writing into understandable language (published in Embryo Project Encyclopedia
Superpower
Stick-to-itiveness