What would I tell my 21-year-old self, 25 years later? Keep going. Keep showing
By Ethelbertwilliams · October 13, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
What would I tell my 21-year-old self, 25 years later? Keep going. Keep showing up. Never underestimate the power of community. 💜
Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Northwestern Alumni Association’s Service and Club Awards, celebrating alumni whose leadership, generosity and commitment to service continue to strengthen our university and the communities around it.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Your contributions are a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t defined only by professional accomplishments, but by the people we lift up, the communities we build and the impact we leave behind.
The evening was especially meaningful as I celebrated my 25th reunion with the Northwestern Class of 2001. It was incredible to serve alongside fellow alumni volunteers and the brilliant Northwestern staff who helped make this milestone weekend possible.
Looking at that younger version of myself, I think about everything I didn’t yet know. The opportunities ahead. The unexpected turns. The people who would open doors, challenge my thinking and help shape the person I would become.
And the advice I’d give young Telly today is simple: Have the courage to take the next step, even when the path isn’t clear. Invest in relationships, not just achievements. Find ways to serve, especially when there’s nothing to gain. And keep creating opportunities for others to succeed.
To my classmates, fellow volunteers, friends and the entire Northwestern community—THANK YOU for an extraordinary weekend of reconnection, reflection and celebration.
Here’s to the next 25 years of showing up, giving back and building together.
Go Cats! 💜
Ethelbert Williams
Medill BSJ ’01
NUMB ’97–’99
#Northwestern #NUReunion #Leadership #Community