Senior Reflects on Time at Hardin-Simmons

Kylen Williams ’19 is the embodiment of HSU spirit. He can be seen walking across campus in his purple Nikes or driving with his purple-rimmed tires. His apartment is decorated with HSU event posters and memorabilia. Even his Facebook page is full of HSU pictures and video parodies.

“My time at Hardin-Simmons will have been the best years of my life,” Williams said. “It has been packed full of experiences and memories.”

After graduating with an Accounting major and Leadership minor, Williams plans to work at a local tax firm, but his time at HSU has given him more ideas for the future.

“Since I began working in the President’s Office, I have learned so much,” he said. “That’s one reason why I have a passion and interest in Christian higher education. Getting that experience of how a university is run and seeing some behind the scenes action has taught me a lot. It’s been a blessing.”

The Leadership classes Williams has taken have also impacted his experience at HSU. He has taken an Outdoor Leadership class with rock climbing, camping, and team building classes. He also took a Harry Potter and Star Trek ethics course to address good vs. evil in film.

“I’ve also been able to go abroad for the first time, going to Vienna twice and taking a class each time,” he said. “I have met a lot of people and experienced a lot through Leadership. That has helped me to develop who I am.”

Williams says the friends that he’s made have made HSU home for him. He remembers playing croquet on Anderson Lawn, going on late-night Whataburger runs, going to Ambler Bingo, and enjoying Student Engagement activities like Pumpkin Palooza. He has also enjoyed getting to know the international students and going to Six Flags with them.

“One funny memory I have is that Student Life did a tortilla toss off the terrace,” Williams said. “Afterwards some of my friends got all the tortillas off the ground, brought the bag to my room, and dumped them on me as I was sleeping and slapped them on my face. It was probably the weirdest way I have ever been woken up.”

Another favorite past time of Williams is making Hardin-Simmons videos. He has made three parodies of “The Office” and one of “Green Acres” called “Forty Acres.” Williams says he hopes to inspire the next generation of HSU students who will live the legacy after he’s gone.

“I hope that future Cowboys will see those and think, ‘hey this thing is cool. Students really love it there.’ Maybe donors will even see them too,” he said.

Williams and his friends made a time capsule full of letters and special objects during their freshman year. They plan to open the time capsule a week before graduation to reminisce on their time at HSU. Looking back at his four years, his advice for underclassmen is to use their time wisely.

“Your four years at Hardin-Simmons are really positioned to be the greatest four years of your life, so don’t waste them,” he said. “Give your time here to God, ask for his direction and guidance, and spend time with Him. Pour into the people around you and get to know everyone. We’re all a family.”

Williams says that he has enjoyed the experiences he has had at HSU, but mostly he will remember the people.

“Hardin-Simmons is Christlieb,” he said. “James Simmons wanted to call HSU Christlieb College. This place really is full of people who are Christ’s love to all the students who come through. The people are what makes up this place. They really love God and care about their relationship with him.”