From Reluctant Student to Future Leader: William Liu’s Journey to Emory University

When William Liu first heard about college coaching, he didn’t think it was for him. He thought it was something only overachievers obsessed with admissions would care about. But that perception changed the day he walked into a session led by Ms. Ting, founder of the Awesome Team College Coaching Program. What began as reluctant attendance soon turned into a life-changing moment—one that helped William reimagine his future.

On April 19th, The Awesome Team Foundation hosted a powerful session of its Journey to College Series at the Jimmy Carter Financial Center. William shared his journey as a featured speaker, where families and educators gathered to hear powerful stories of purpose and growth—and today, we want to inspire you as well.

William is a first-generation Chinese-American, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents immigrated to the U.S. with big dreams for their children’s future. While William appreciated their sacrifices, he initially struggled to connect his everyday choices with the bigger picture they had envisioned for him. But during his junior year, something shifted. Conversations with Ms. Ting, deep personal reflection, and a growing awareness of his parents’ journey awakened a sense of purpose. College wasn’t just a next step—it became a way for William to honor his roots and aim higher.

Today, William is a senior at Milton High School and a proud graduate of the Awesome Team’s College Coaching Program. He’s been accepted to Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, where he plans to major in finance and minor in artificial intelligence. What’s striking about his journey is not a perfect academic record—his GPA was 3.6, he had a few C’s, and submitted a modest 1300 SAT score—but rather his mindset and growth. William chose to go test-optional for many schools and focused on telling a story that reflected who he truly was.

One of the tools that helped him most was journaling. What started as a simple habit turned into a powerful self-reflection practice that shaped his essays and, ultimately, his application success. “We lie to ourselves sometimes,” William shared, “but writing forces you to tell the truth.” His personal essays weren’t about being perfect—they were about being honest, vulnerable, and aware.

Through the Awesome Team College Coaching Program, William gained not just direction, but also confidence and a supportive community. As a first-generation college student, he lacked guidance from family who had walked the path before him. The program helped fill that gap with structure, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

What shines brightest in William’s story is his heart. He’s not driven by status or titles—he’s driven by purpose. His motivation comes from wanting to give back to his parents, serve his community, and be a role model for his younger brothers. He often reminds parents that exposing children to a variety of activities can open doors, even when kids don’t seem interested at first. For students, he emphasizes the power of starting now—reflecting, experimenting, and taking ownership of their own growth.

As he stood on stage to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Awesome Team Foundation, surrounded by friends, mentors, and proud parents, William Liu had come full circle. From a hesitant junior unsure of what college even meant, to a focused and inspiring young leader, he represents what’s possible when support, opportunity, and self-belief come together.

William’s journey is more than a college success story—it’s a reminder that growth starts with mindset, and that with the right guidance, any student can transform their future. Thanks to the Awesome Team College Coaching Program, William Liu is no longer unsure about the road ahead. He’s ready to lead it.