Hidden in a room next to Diamond Bar High School’s Library, a friendly face eagerly awaits any students who need help making decisions regarding their college or scholarships.

Gyasmine Williams was hired last September as the school’s first College and Career Counselor. Though this is her first year on staff, she has coached DBHS’s girls’ basketball and substituted at the school various times.
Since being hired as a counselor, the DBHS alumni has worked tirelessly to get out information to the students. Williams efficiently distributes information that multiple colleges send her. If there is a workshop that day, she puts up flyers, emails, and even sends the staff reminders.

She also writes transcripts for the students and helps them get the information they need for preparation for tests, work permits, career preparation, and scholarships.

“I love it because there [are] kids that are able to get scholarships or even learn about different classes or schools that they wouldn’t have known about. I really love helping the students get to college and have a good time here at Diamond Bar,” Williams said.

After graduating from DBHS in 2000, Williams moved on to study at Cal State Los Angeles. She then attended graduate school at the University of La Verne to get her master’s degree in multi-cultural services.

Once she received her master’s degree, Williams returned to DBHS where she co-coached girls’ basketball. While instructing the student-athletes, Williams realized how much she loved helping her team to improve.

Determined to aid other students in receiving scholarships, Williams then decided to return to La Verne to gain her Pupil Personnel Services, which is a credential required to counsel and work with kids from grades K-12.

“The Career Center has been revamped to where it is student friendly,” Senior GLC Richard Gonzales said.

Despite having William available for almost an entire school year, some students are unaware there is a career and college counselor at school.

“Come to me and we’ll give you some information. You’re never too young and you’re never too late to come see me,” Williams said.