Alumni Spotlight: Jamal Williams '02
"Rabun Gap taught me how to manage many things, while giving each individual task the proper attention and dedication. That skill has been absolutely vital to me in my professional career." Jamal Williams '02
The Alumni Spotlights are features where alumni are interviewed by student-submitted questions. The questions for this interview were submitted by the students from the junior class, Andre Silva ’19 and Henrik Landis ‘19. Jamal Williams from the class of 2002 was interviewed for this edition of Alumni Spotlight. After graduating from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Mr. Williams attended Berea College and went on to earn his J.D. from Southern Illinois School of Law. Mr. Williams now serves as a Child Attorney and Guardian Ad Litem in Floyd County, GA. A native of Georgia, he came to Rabun Gap as a 7th grader at the recommendation of his grandmother, Ms. Pat Oliver, a long-time dorm parent. Mr. Williams was a prefect and a three season athlete known for his quiet strength and leadership. His sister, Jazmyn, graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 2008.
How was the transition from Rabun Gap to college? The transition from Rabun Gap to college was very smooth. I chose to attend Berea College in Berea, KY, which is a small college town. I felt prepared in the sense that I continued some of the habits I learned at Rabun Gap. I started as a boarding student in the 8th grade so being away from home and managing the balance of school/studying and extracurricular activities was just the normal routine and I feel Rabun Gap prepared me well for college, and law school also.
Did Rabun Gap prepare you for the challenges you faced later in your life? I think so. Rabun Gap provided me with the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I feel Rabun Gap prepares students to approach life with an open mindedness that undoubtedly affects how you handle and approach situations in all aspects of life.
What is your best memory from Rabun Gap? There were many. I’d have to say Shakespeare Day is one of my best memories.
What was different from the Rabun Gap you graduated from and today's Rabun Gap? The dorm parents. It was like having a parent in the home with you which eased the transition of being away from home.
Did you play any sports at Rabun Gap and college? If yes how was the transition between high school sports and college sports? I played basketball, soccer, and baseball at Rabun Gap, but I did not play any sports in college.
What was the greatest lesson Rabun Gap taught you? Rabun Gap taught me to work hard and to multi-task. As a student there are many commitments, all deserving of equal time and dedication. Rabun Gap taught me how to manage many things, while giving each individual task the proper attention and dedication. That skill has been absolutely vital to me in my professional career.
Did Rabun Gap influence your college decision? How did you choose your college?
I chose Berea College because I wanted to go to a school that had similar values to Rabun Gap. Berea college was integrated before the civil war, educating men, women and minorities during a time when that was unheard of in the United States. I feel Berea’s core values were so important because of the foundation I gained while at Rabun Gap, where I was able to build friendships with peers from many different countries.
How did your experience at Rabun Gap prepare you for a successful career? Rabun Gap taught me balance, which I feel has been vital in my career. There were a lot of habits I learned at Rabun Gap, that became natural to me and allowed me to have success throughout college, law school, and now in my career.
What values did you learn from your time at Rabun Gap that helped your success? Rabun Gap’s pillars, Work, Study, and Worship are a great framework to carry throughout life. I feel like those three things translate to any career path.
What advice do you have for current Rabun Gap students that you wish someone told you during your time at the school? Enjoy your time there and really cherish the memories you make while you’re there. It goes by fast, but your time there really will be some of the fondest memories of your life.
Did you feel that Rabun Gap helped you grow as an individual? Absolutely. Rabun Gap made me a well rounded individual. I was able to participate in so many activities and interact with people from all over. The older I get the more I realize how special my time there was, and how truly unique a place Rabun Gap is.
What do you think was the most important lesson you’ve learned that has helped you get to where you are now? I have learned many lessons during my life thus far. I’ve learned alot from my grandmother who was a dorm parent there also. I’d say one of the most important lessons is there really isn't a substitute for hard work.
How do you balance professional ambition with personal happiness? I realize the key truly is about balance. Balance helps me to not become overly absorbed by any one thing or activity which is important for me.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
