Ajaya Williams
Clinical Coordinator/Lecturer (Kinesiology and Sport Sciences)
What is your favorite vacation spot? OR Where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
This is a hard question since I love to travel. I would say it would be a tie between the Maldives and Costa Rica. The Maldives are in the middle of the Indian ocean with the most clear water I’ve ever seen in my life. It is a great place to just disconnect, relax and feel you are on a deserted island. Costa Rica on the other hand is just full of adventures: walking through the rain forest, hiking up a volcano, zip lining over waterfalls, bathing in the hot springs…that was fun!
What is your favorite movie and why?
City of angels. I can watch that movie over and over again and cry every time. Plus, I’m a bit of a romantic. Inception is another one that I love since it was one of those movies that you feel ended in 10 minutes and made me really think about the ending.
What is your favorite hobby or thing to do on weekends?
I love to be outdoors so you will probably find me at the beach, pool, biking or just walking around and exploring. I also love basketball and used to play a lot.
What is special about the place you grew up? OR What is your favorite childhood memory?
I am very lucky to have been exposed to multiple cultures growing up. I grew up between Michigan and Beirut, Lebanon. So I learned how to speak Arabic and a bit of French. I am grateful for my parents since exposing me to different parts of the world shaped who I am and made me a more diverse individual.
What is something nobody would guess about you (that you are willing to disclose!)?
Probably my age. When I first meet people they think that I am in my 20’s..which is a compliment! Or they think I am a student...again a compliment. So for those that are wondering, I am 32 and no Botox (yet!). I got my Bachelors when I was 19 and had a masters when I was 22. So I got an early start in my profession. I then took a break from school to work full time before deciding to go back for my PhD.. So when people ask me how do you have 11 years of work experience in the field at 32..it was a lot of hard work!
What was your first impression of UM (or SEHD) when you first started working/going to school here?
Everyone was so nice to me when I first got hired (and they still are!). I also fell in love with the campus and I like the overall spirit. I did notice though that the Merrick building needed some TLC. Overall, I am very happy to be a part of the SEHD team!
