The 2021 school year has brought an influx of new teachers to the Magnet scene. Thus, I diligently took to my email to get to know AMHS’s newest addition to the history department, Mr. Williams. 

Mr. Williams has been a teacher for nine years, joining the AMHS staff to teach AP and Honors Human Geography. This means his classes consist solely of freshmen, giving few of us a chance to truly get to know him, a shame, considering he seems like a very cool and down-to-earth guy. 

Mr. Williams is originally from Columbia, South Carolina and held several other careers before landing at College of Charleston where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. In his years prior to these degrees, Mr. Williams could be found working in restaurants and bars across South Carolina, bouncing between Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach. After making his arrival in Charleston, Williams worked for the City of Charleston Recreation Department. He further expressed his love for sports and the outdoors, saying that if not a teacher, he’d likely work in the forestry field or national park management. Before coming to Magnet, Williams taught in Hollywood, South Carolina, gaining experience teaching nearly every history class high school has to offer.  

Since I have yet to meet Mr. Williams face-to-face, I would hate to skew the careful information he was gracious enough to grant me. Therefore, I present you all with answers straight from the horse’s mouth (or gmail inbox) – directly from the primary source, which I’m sure many Magnet teachers will appreciate.

NW: How has the year been so far? Thoughts on the Magnet environment?

JW: So far I have been extremely impressed by the level of talent and dedication of my colleagues, it’s inspiring! The student population has impressed me as well with their level of engagement and ability in the classroom. I love seeing kids that have a desire to not only get the information, but also want to be able to do something with it in practical terms.

NW: Hobbies? Pets?

JW: Being outside is my favorite thing -whether it’s camping, going to the beach, playing sports, or just sitting on my porch! I have been building around my house a lot in the last couple years with a new fence, a new front porch, and my most recent project being a greenhouse using old windows we replaced in our house last year.

At one point we had 4 dogs and a cat, unfortunately due to old age and 1 sickness, we’re down to just one dog named Lyla. We’ll be getting a new puppy in the near future though, as soon as I get my youngest son out of diapers.

NW: Any fun facts/life stories you’d like the student body to know?

JW: Fun Fact – I was a vegetarian for a number of years in my life, but missed fried chicken too much and moved back to the dark side.

NW: What kind of car do you drive?

JW: I drive a 2012 Jeep Patriot, although we are looking to trade up soon.

NW: Favorite movie/tv/music?

JW: The only TV I really watch these days is Paw Patrol, Pete the Cat & Dinosaur Train (my boys are 2 & 4 yrs old), but I do love old school Law & Order. A few of my favorite movies are The Godfather trilogy, The Big Chill, Dazed & Confused, Bull Durham, and Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. I love just about all types of music ranging from blues, jazz, country, rap, rock & jam bands. Some of my favorite artists include Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Widespread, Phish, Goose, Run the Jewels, Wu Tang, Budos Band, Muddy Waters, and Waylon Jennings.

NW: How do you like your eggs cooked?

JW: A fried egg sandwich that’s a little bit runny with hot sauce is one of the best things ever.

These last two questions I consider extremely relevant to American history, a perfect test of character for a man so well-versed in the subject…

NW: Are you familiar with the Kennedy Curse conspiracy theory? Thoughts?

JW: Familiar yes. Believe in it – No. The family tree of the Kennedy’s is quite large and the tragic loss of portions of it, while quite sad and unfortunate, does not add up to a curse – but I’m also no expert on curses.

NW: Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

JW: So…I had to look this up and, to be honest, I feel good about not knowing – enough said.

HUUUUUGE thanks to Mr. Williams for putting up with my tedious questions. I offer you a virtual handshake and a warm welcome to Magnet!! 🙂