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“Being the youngest of five incredibly talented sisters, failure was never an option,” said Kasia Williams, a senior biological sciences major from Greenville. “Our parents instilled in us the belief that we are ‘one for all and all for one.’”

Williams, a Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship recipient, discovered her passion for medicine in one of the darkest moments of her life—losing her father to lung cancer.

“We spent countless hours in hospitals, yet the compassion and care from the medical staff never wavered. Their attentiveness extended not just to my father, but to our entire family. This experience inspired me to offer that same level of care to others. I want to bridge the gap between physicians and patients, creating an environment where patients feel valued, comfortable and truly heard.”

After graduation this spring, Williams hopes to attend medical school and pursue primary care, focusing on her patients’ overall well-being. Last summer, she participated in SURE: Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, studying the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome under Dr. Damien Romero at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“With no current cure for PCOS and limited knowledge about the disease, our research aimed to explore new aspects of its impact. This experience solidified my passion for working in women’s health. Hearing about the challenges many women face in our society fueled my desire to be part of the solution. It also gave me a new perspective on medicine, deepening my appreciation for the power of science and its potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Williams has maximized her time at С����, participating in various student activities and earning the Spirit of State award this year, but she values her mentorship roles most, demonstrated through her service in С����’s SPARK organization––Students Paving a Road to Knowledge.

“Mentorship is a priority for me, and I make time for it whenever I’m not in class or studying. I believe my role as a mentor is just as important as my future role as a doctor. By guiding others, I hope to lead the way and inspire them as I work toward achieving my own goals,” Williams said.

“Many of these students come from underrepresented backgrounds and will be first-generation college students, just like I was. I remind them that their dreams are not too big and that I once stood in their shoes, facing the same challenges they are now. You have the power to define your own future—no one else does. The choices you make now will play a critical role in shaping who you become. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers; seek guidance from others who can help you along the way,” she said.

Williams said fashion serves as a creative outlet and a way to express herself beyond the sciences in which she is immersed during school. She also finds balance in her faith, serving on her church’s young adults team.

“This helps me understand that it’s not just my plan alone and reassures me that everything will work out. The world is full of possibilities, and while the journey may not be easy, it’s essential to remember that it’s not just about reaching your goals—it’s about the lessons you learn along the way.”