A Family Legacy: The Williams Sisters’ Journey to Graduation 

 
When the Williams sisters walked across the stage for Bryant & Stratton College’s Hampton Campus commencement in May 2026, it was more than just a graduation ceremony. It was an exclamation point for an incredible family story that began years before.  

Their brother, Keymal, had walked that same path back in 2019, earning his degree through B&SC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program. Today he’s back at the very school that helped shape him, as an Associate Professor in the Nursing department. For his four sisters who would one day also attend his alma mater, that meant something inspiring before they ever enrolled. 

[Read Keymal’s story here]

Following a Trailblazer

For Shenice, who graduated with an AAS in Early Childhood Education, her brother’s journey was the first introduction to the college. “I first learned about B&SC through my brother,” she said. “Seeing him go there and later become a faculty member definitely played a part in my decision because I saw firsthand how much he believed in the school and the opportunities it gave him.” 

Shoshana, who earned her AAS in Human and Social Services and graduated as Salutatorian of the Hampton campus, echoes that sentiment. “My brother played a significant role,” she explained. “His positive experience at Bryant & Stratton College gave me the confidence that it was the right choice for my education.” 
Tyra, also an AAS Human and Social Services graduate, took a slightly different view, one that speaks to her drive for independence. “My brother’s experience at B&SC definitely gave me a positive view of the college,” she says, “but I also wanted to create my own path and have my own experience.” 
Theresa, who earned her AAS in Early Childhood Education this year as well, shared that same spirit of determination. While she wasn’t available to share her story with us in her own words, her journey alongside her sisters speaks volumes. 

Side by Side, but Never in Each Other’s Shadow 

Being enrolled at the same school at the same time as your sisters might sound like a built-in study group. For the Williams sisters, it was that and so much more. 
“It was honestly a blessing,” Shenice reflected. “Even though we were in different majors, we pushed each other a lot. There were moments when one of us felt like giving up, and the others would step in and encourage them to keep going. We each had our own path, but we never walked it alone.” 

Tyra describes it as “a little bit of everything.” The sisters celebrated each other’s wins, steadied each other during stressful times, and kept one another focused all while honoring the fact that their journeys were uniquely their own. 

And when Shoshana crossed the stage as Salutatorian, the moment wasn’t lost on Shenice. “One of the most emotional moments was watching my younger sister walk across the stage as Salutatorian,” she said. “I was so proud of her, and proud of us as a family.”  

Professors Who Made a Difference 

The impact is never lost on us when students can point to specific professors who left a lasting mark as the Williams sisters did. Shenice credits Jillian Hatton, who taught Curriculum Planning and Implementation: “She didn’t make things easier by lowering expectations; she made them easier by believing in us and helping us believe in ourselves.” 

Shoshana highlighted the kindness of Ms. Sullivan and Dr. Falls, while Tyra also found a mentor in Dr. Falls. Tyra said how, “His class pushed me to grow, and I appreciated how he encouraged students to always do their best. The lessons I learned from him are something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.” 

Roots, Faith, and a Long Way from Grenada 

Originally from the island country of Grenada, the Williams sisters brought with them a deep sense of purpose. For Shenice, faith was her anchor. “I leaned on God a lot throughout my college journey,” she said. “Remembering where I came from and where I want to go kept me moving forward, even during the difficult moments.” For Shoshana, the motivation was family. “I wanted to make my family proud and build a successful future for myself.” And for Tyra, it was a combination of both her loved ones and a quiet, persistent belief in herself. 

What Comes Next 

The story doesn’t end at graduation. Shenice plans to teach and eventually pursue a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with dreams of volunteering and traveling the world. Shoshana is committed to a career in social work, with a focus on child welfare and continued education in her field. Tyra is stepping into social work as well, eager to gain hands-on experience before deciding where her path leads next. 

From Grenada to Hampton, VA, from student to professor, and from one graduate in the family to five — the Williams family’s story is about far more than earning degrees. It’s about what’s possible when faith, family, and the right opportunity come together.