Indiana University Bloomington will see over 11,000 students graduate this year, according to a May 7 announcement. Among them are Darby Williams and Tyler Morris, who each overcame personal challenges on their way to earning degrees.
The achievements of these graduates highlight the diverse experiences and resilience found within the student body at Indiana University Bloomington. The university draws students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 150 countries, serves as a public research institution, and contributes to Indiana’s economy and cultural life, according to the official website.
Williams began her studies in environmental science but switched majors after discovering the outdoor recreation program at the School of Public Health-Bloomington. During her sophomore year, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent radiation therapy followed by six months of chemotherapy. Despite concerns about keeping up with coursework—especially an elective photography class—she said that making art helped her process emotions during treatment: “I have a hard time processing my emotions, and photography gave me a tool to do that.” Williams later earned two degrees: one in health and wellness design with a focus on parks, recreation and outdoors; another in photography from the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design. She said positive experiences with faculty support shaped her academic journey: “IU gave me the confidence to know that I can do hard things.”
Tyler Morris faced social anxiety growing up and started college at Indiana University South Bend before transferring to IU Bloomington for broader opportunities in nutrition science. He said transferring was intimidating but ultimately rewarding: “Medication and therapy have helped, but so has putting myself in leadership positions and doing research with faculty at IU. Being at IU has really helped me figure out who I am, not just academically and professionally but as a person.” Morris worked on clinical nutrition research projects while also serving as president of his school’s Honors Program Leadership Council. He will graduate this week with a Bachelor of Science in applied health science from the School of Public Health-Bloomington before starting work toward his master’s degree.
Indiana University Bloomington features historic limestone architecture across its campus while focusing on advancing research, creativity, innovation—and fostering discovery among its diverse community—from all states nationwide as well as over 150 countries worldwide,according to the official website.
Reflecting on their time at IU Bloomington both Williams and Morris say they are grateful for opportunities found through adversity—a sentiment echoed by many graduating seniors this year.
