Why I Support GOALS, by Sylvia Chaney Williamson

As a transfer student in the mid 70s, there was a scarcity of minority students at Cal, particularly African American students, and adjusting to campus life was difficult and academically challenging; however, looking back, I found it to be a period of great growth for me, socially, academically, and emotionally. I learned what the “Berkeley Experience” was like for an African American student, such as having feelings of intimidation, alienation and lacking a sense of belonging.

Like so many other underrepresented students, I had the fortunate experience of receiving the support of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which helped me to navigate Cal’s bureaucracy, gain confidence in my ability to succeed academically, and pursue graduate school.  With a strong desire to reciprocate the help that I received from EOP, I became a member of GOALS, which is a collaborative partner of EOP.  As a member of GOALS’ Board of Directors, I am working with a professional team of alumni committed to advocating on behalf of underserved students in the Bay Area and UC Berkeley to promote access and foster academic success.

Here it is 30+ years later, and there is still a scarcity of minority students at Cal, and even fewer African American students.  By way of GOALS, I remain committed to working with community organizations and the University to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and to ensure that underrepresented students are afforded the opportunity to attend and graduate from college.