Finding her path: Kali’s journey from support to valedictorian

Rebuilding her confidence at NSCC

After a difficult first year at university, Kali Williams withdrew from her studies and returned home. She had lost confidence in herself as a student, but a family member’s recommendation led her to explore NSCC’s Early Childhood Education program.

The program’s two-plus-two transfer option, evening schedule and smaller class size gave Kali confidence that NSCC could provide the learning environment she needed. The College’s cultural supports and respect for African Nova Scotian culture also influenced her decision.

“Enrolling at NSCC was the perfect pathway for me to continue building my future in an environment that truly catered to all of my needs as a student, in the classroom and when I returned home each day,” says Kali.

As the only African Nova Scotian student in her class, Kali’s experience was positive overall but complex. Outside the classroom, she found connection through African Canadian student supports and helped develop the Black Student Society, where she served as co-chair.

Receiving support as a whole person

Donor support played an important role in Kali’s studies. She received the Archy Beals Legacy Award, and through NSCC’s Rapid Response Fund, had access to several financial and food security supports including the Black and African Nova Scotian Immediate Needs Fund, Cost of Living Bursary, grocery and gas cards, and the on-campus food bank.

Having these resources available on campus made them accessible and allowed Kali to seek support privately when needed.

“To receive these supports communicated to me that the College sees each student as more than a student,” she says. “I felt valued, supported and encouraged to continue pursuing my academic goals.”

The funding helped Kali manage everyday expenses without taking time away from her studies to seek employment.

“These awards allowed me to focus solely on my academics and, in all honesty, meant I didn’t need to take time off to work,” she says.

Pursuing transformational opportunities 

With support from NSCC, Kali participated in two international learning experiences. During visits to St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada, she developed her cultural, leadership, entrepreneurial, communication and professional skills.

Seeing Black professionals represented across a wide range of careers in St. Kitts and Nevis strengthened Kali’s confidence in her own goals. In Grenada, she shared her knowledge of African Nova Scotian history, supported peers participating in their first international experience and formed connections she hopes to maintain throughout her career.

“The international learning experiences were extremely transformational in both my personal life, education and career,” she says.

Continuing her education and community impact

Kali graduated as Akerley Campus valedictorian in 2025. Through NSCC’s two-plus-two transfer program, she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Child and Youth Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University. She plans to continue into a Bachelor of Education program and a master’s degree, with the goal of working for or establishing an Afrocentric learning institution.

Kali believes continued investment in African Nova Scotian students helps address barriers to education and creates opportunities for future generations.

“I would not have been able to complete my program, and certainly not graduate as valedictorian, without the support of donors,” says Kali. “Please know you are making a difference, investing in the future and encouraging young people to continue their education by making it clear that we matter and are worth committing to.”

Make a difference today

Learn more about ways to give to the NSCC Foundation and contact us to discuss how you can support students like Kali through Rapid Response. 

By phone: 902-491-2181 or 1-866-745-7919 (toll-free) 
Email: foundation@nscc.ca 

To see options for giving online

Donate to Rapid Response

Link to list of Campus Food Banks