Roundtrip from the midwest to the East Coast

Olivia William's Headshot

Name: Olivia Williams

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Major: Agricultural Economics (Pre-Law and Policy concentration) and Spanish

Why did you come to Purdue: I originally attended the University of Maryland, where I was studying government and international relations. I realized early on how homesick I was and that I wanted to refocus on studying agricultural economics back in the Midwest.

Purdue offered the perfect combination for me: a strong agricultural economics program, the Degree+ option so I could also major in Spanish and a thriving campus culture. It’s also personally meaningful since my dad and several other family members are Boilermakers, too!

Favorite Purdue tradition: I couldn’t pick just one, but what I love most is the spirit. The energy in Mackey is always incredible. And despite the score often not going our way, I love tailgating and everything about football season.

Williams at the National Championship Williams with Purdue Pete and friends

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. The culture fostered within the College of Ag and across campus has been incredibly impactful. Everyone is hardworking and humble. I am inspired daily to grow not just as a student, but as a person.
  2. My sorority, Delta Gamma, has truly been my home away from home. It has created an environment in which I have built lifelong friendships and discovered who I am within an empowering community.
  3. The faculty and advisors in agricultural economics. From my first conversations with LeeAnn Williams before I even chose Purdue, I felt supported. Every professor I’ve had has been eager to offer guidance and genuinely wants students to succeed. A special shoutout to Dr. Michael Wilcox for believing in me and offering endless support; you’ve truly shaped my Purdue experience!
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. The Solar Eclipse + National Championship Day! The 2024 March Madness run was so memorable, from everyone being on the streets at Chauncey to the final game!
  2. IU vs Purdue Basketball at Mackey.
  3. Passing the Indiana Lifeline Law! Supporting Purdue Student Government’s work to amend the Indiana Lifeline Law to expand medical amnesty protections for students was so rewarding. I grew close with my peers while working on this and enjoyed our trips to Indianapolis, where we built connections with students from other colleges and collaborated with state legislators and nonprofit organizations.
  4. Grand Prix! I was especially grateful to speak with alumni about their own Grand Prix memories, which enhanced my appreciation of the tradition.
  5. All the time spent with my friends. Whether it is a walk around campus, a Den Pop run or study sessions, I love the everyday moments with my friends.

Williams with friend on DG recruitment day Williams with psg senators in DC

Favorite places you have been as a Purdue student: 

  1. Washington, D.C.! Traveling to D.C. with my fellow College of Ag senators for the Association of Big Ten Students conference was so fun. I loved bringing what I’d learned in classes like AGEC 410 (Ag Policy) to conversations in legislators’ offices. I loved representing Purdue ag alongside students from across the Big Ten.
  2. Visiting the Indiana Statehouse multiple times with the Purdue Student Government while working to expand the Indiana Lifeline Law was deeply rewarding. It was inspiring to see our efforts turn into real policy change.
  3. Although I wasn’t a Purdue student at the time, studying abroad in Havana, Cuba, was a turning point for me. Living with a host family and making friendships with Cuban students reinforced in me the importance of building connections with people from vastly different backgrounds. My time in Cuba catalyzed my decision to pursue a career related to economic development, which led me to transfer to Purdue and pursue degrees in both Spanish and Agricultural Economics.

Favorite club/organization: It’s hard to pick just one: 

  • Delta Gamma
  • Ayuda y Aprende Spanish Service Learning
  • Purdue Student Government

Favorite student-led event/initiative: Ag Week and Grand Prix

Favorite Purdue event: Football Saturdays!

Favorite place to study: HSSE library periodicals

Favorite thing about CoA: The College of Ag turns a large university into a close-knit community

Favorite class: AGEC 450 and AGEC 340

Favorite professor: Blanca Cabrera, who taught Spanish 424. She is the sweetest!

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 406

Williams with PSG friends Williams with DG sorority

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Choosing to transfer to Purdue
  2. The relationships I’ve built here
  3. My summer 2025 internship at Lafayette Square Institute

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I love to play music! I’ve played violin in a few weddings, and when I’m home, I love to play guitar and fiddle with my cousin’s band. Music has brought me so many of my favorite memories, like when I got to play along with a Cuban band while visiting the small town of Matanzas!

Williams playing with locals in Matanzas, Cuba Williams volunteering with DG

Future plans: Law school! I intend to use a law degree to work in economic policy with a focus on rural development.

Advice for underclassmen: Actively seek out opportunities to connect with people who are different from you and look for ways to give back to your community. The greatest personal growth happens outside your comfort zone, and the experiences that challenge you while allowing you to make a difference are the most rewarding.

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: I recently came across a quote that said, “A candle doesn’t lose its flame by lighting another wick.” It really stuck with me. At Purdue, especially in the College of Ag, I’ve learned the value of lifting others. This is a place where people truly support each other, and it’s in that spirit of community and shared growth that I’ve found the most meaning.