*this article was written by LMCH youth Erica L. in conjunction with the My Vision, My Voice photojournalism project.

Valencia Williams was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 8, 1989. Growing up she had 15 siblings. She had one sister and brother on her mother’s side and on her father’s side she had 5 brothers and 8 sisters. Around the age of 2, Williams moved to Tallulah, Louisiana, where she attended Tallulah Elementary.

Her hobbies during school were the 4-H Club, Girl Power Club, and cheerleading. Her childhood activities included going outside, hanging out with friends, and going to the park.

“Growing up I loved going to church every Sunday with my family,” she said.

Williams graduated from Madison High School in 2008. She attended Grambling State University and graduated with two degrees in Criminal Justice. While in college, she wanted to work in a forensic science lab.

“But everyone said that I should be a news reporter,” she said.

Williams now works at the Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, La. “I love helping others and love working with children,” she explained. When Williams is done working at MCH she plans on moving to Dallas, Texas. She wants to get married and have two kids. She also wants to work in the Dallas County Police Department. Williams said she will eventually retire but that does not mean her life will stop.

“I still want to be married and hopefully have grandkids,” she said. “I also want to take family vacations.”