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NETC alumni and veteran James Williams Jr advocates lifelong learning

Veterans Day Speaker

Retired reservist James Williams Jr. Is an excellent example of a lifelong learning.

Williams has three associate's degrees (science, history, and information systems management), two bachelor's degrees (interdisciplinary studies and religious studies), and at the age of 64, Williams continues his education enrolled at Florence Darlington Technical College to become a radiology technician.

"Figure out what makes you, you, and go from there," said the Bennettsville native Nov. 9 to CNA/Phlebotomy students at NETC's Marlboro County Campus Veteran's Day Social.

Williams always wanted to work in health care and after retiring from the military and the state of South Carolina, he decided to jump in the classroom once again.

"I love the learning process," Williams said. "I don't have to work, but I'm too young to stay home."

Wiliams describes himself as the "non-traditional, non-traditional student" being the oldest in his class, to include his instructors.

"I tell them to stop calling me sir," he laughed.

Williams spent 23 years in the military starting in 1983 in the S.C. Army National Guard, jumping to U.S. Air Force full time for five years followed by 8 years in the Air Force Reserves and wrapping up his military career with 9 years in the Army Reserves.

He began his education in 1984 attending NETC when it was known as Chesterfield Marlboro Technical College.

From there, Williams was rarely away from the classroom.

"My mother had an 8th grade education. My father had a 3rd grade education. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college," Williams said. "I remember studying at the kitchen table and my mother said to me 'I can't help you; all I can do is pray for you.'"

Williams told students to always prepare for the future and to plan yourself in a position where you do not have to work anymore.

Education is a key role in that plan.

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