Meet William Craig Golston, Jr | Academic Career Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Craig Golston, Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William Craig, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This is a very good question, because there are times where it is ok to give up. Sometimes you begin a task with so much ambition that you overshoot what you are capable of at that time and put yourself in a tough situation. In that case, it is fine to quit, reflect, and plan your next move in order to accomplish that goal. However, to quit or give up for the sake of doing it is not a good mentality to have. Just because something is tough, doesn’t mean you should completely give up. It is the willingness to persevere that defines the character of a person. When you know that you have more to give, don’t stop giving!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an Academic and Career Advisor at Midlands Technical College. From the first day I arrived here until now, I know that I have grown tremendously as a person. I was named Staff of the Year in my first year at the college and believe that I am still making an impact on colleagues and students alike. I have learned the importance of intentional listening; in other words, listening to understand what a person has to say and not just listening to respond. When people know that you are listening with care, they are more willing to share with you and trust you with what you share with them. I want anyone that comes in contact with me to know that when they talk to me, I truly care about their circumstances, and will do whatever I can to help them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
No real favorite spots. I do like the trail behind Broad River Road, but I haven’t been there in awhile. I don’t really travel around the city because I am literally from here. My “fun spots” are any place that I can take the young people that I mentor and spend time helping mold them into better leaders and people in general. That is what matters most to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God gets all the credit, per usual. However, if there is one individual who has to get the greatest recognition for who I am today, it is my mother without question. She has guided me and continues to aid me even as I have reached adulthood. She is the strongest woman I know, and always has taught her children about love, respect, and treating people the way you want to be treated. One thing she told me when I was young and it still sticks with me today is “Don’t worry about what someone else has. You don’t know what they did to get it.” It just motivates me to get whatever I get honestly and with integrity. I love and appreciate her and all that she has, is, and continues to impart in my life. I am who I am because of her.

Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@williamgolston371

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positioned_4_purpose/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-golston-jr-mba-m-ed-gcdf-5a4a3259/