May 22, 2025

By Louis Huler 

Cianni Williams, BS/MS in the Teacher Education program focusing on Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, will represent the undergraduate class at the School of Education commencement ceremony. The Philadelphia native looks forward to using her teaching skills to create anti-racist curriculum and amplify student voices, promoting equity in school communities. With the help of friends and professors throughout her undergraduate experience, Williams has a promising future ahead of her.

What does it mean for you to be able to address the class of 2025?

It means a lot of things for me, but the core of it is the honor to have to share my experience throughout Drexel and give meaningful messages for my peers and their families.

How has Drexel prepared you for your future?

I'm graduating after 5 years at Drexel ( I did the BS/MS accelerated degree program) and I valued mostly the real world experience I've experienced in conjunction with learning the theoretical frameworks that are prevalent in that field. I've also received so much in support, guidance, and resources from various Drexel faculty and staff. Everyone I have trusted to be a part of my village at Drexel has guided me through my challenges and to keep up my motivation to become an educator.

What are some of the big lessons you learned, either about yourself or through the coursework, during your time at Drexel?

One of my biggest lessons that I have learned and continuously reminding myself is to find your village and lean on them. Drexel is a fast-paced environment, with things being 'go, go, go' , and valuing individuality both in and outside of the classrooms; but finding a community within Drexel has allowed for me to keep going and to thrive.

Which faculty and/or staff members helped you along your educational journey that you would like to recognize?

I have a lot of people to thank to keep me going. Within the SoE, it's David Appleton, Dr. Ayana-Allen Handy, Sharon Mason to name a few. Outside of the SoE, the staff at the Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship (CIES) -- Ms. Bernetta McCall-Millonde and Sandra Perti -- have been my rocks throughout my educational journey.

What responsibilities do you think you and your class as graduates have to the world?

To sustain their passions in whatever field they are going in and to support the passions of younger learners as they come up in this world.

What most excites you about post grad life?

Having a teaching job and starting to educate the young minds of Philadelphia! Very excited to put my two education degrees to work and to infuse my passions for the humanities in my classrooms.

Now that you’ve reached graduation, if you had to give a message to someone deciding whether or not to pursue higher education, what would you say?

Education comes in all forms, and it is not always linear. Higher education is becoming more and more essential for our society, and I would like to emphasize the importance of a college degree. However, I want to note that getting their degree(s) does not necessarily mean going to a 4 year private institution and then getting Bachelors. Go at your own pace and give yourself grace, but get that degree!