TCNJ

16 The College of New Jersey Magazine MigHty dreaMs, FaB Futures Revel in stories of personal growth unleashed, intellectual curiosity nurtured, and notable life trajectories launched for 25 members of our newly minted Class of 2025 (actually 27, after we snuck in a set of triplets). Watch for them to do great things — and then say, "I knew them when … " He Persuaded a sittiNg u.s. seNatOr tO create a caMPaigN ad FOr HiM When poli-sci major Jared Williams ran for executive president of TCNJ's student government his junior year, he got a plug from New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. An intern in the senator's office, Williams asked Booker to record a quick campaign video. Booker's message: "He's a great leader. Please give this guy a good look." When Williams shared it on social media, people did look — and he clinched the seat. Williams wasn't new to student government. He served each of his four years and led with a magic combination of empathy and boundless energy. (Seriously, the college's director of leadership development once suggested that he cut back on his infinite involvement on campus.) He points to expanding the hours students were able to use meal- equivalent points as a main accomplishment. "It was a huge issue," he says, referring to a change in policy that extended the times students could use their dining plan credits at locations other than at Eickhoff Hall, such as the popular Library Café and STEM Forum. "I like the idea of being that elected representative who can speak for others' concerns." Eyes set on politics, Williams has already worked at the state and federal levels with internships with Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson-Coleman, and Senators Booker and Tammy Duckworth. He's on his way to NYU Law on a full-ride scholar- ship and then onto a ballot. WORDS reNée OlsON aNd kara POtHier PICTURES Bill cardONi 16 The College of New Jersey Magazine

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