Every September 10, student volunteers from Pensacola Christian College create a flag memorial commemorating 9/11, one flag for each of the 2,977 victims. Sarah Williams (History Education, English Education ‘20), a founder of the political science club that started the annual tradition, led the first flag-planting in 2018. Now Sarah has accomplished another PCC first: she is the first PCC graduate to receive back-to-back clerkships, one in a U.S. circuit court and one for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Inspired at PCC
A hopeful freshman, Sarah arrived in Pensacola passionate for literature and history. Her interest in history led to a minor in political science. Sarah was surprised to discover that her degree would be a stepping stone to law school. “I never once thought about being an attorney growing up. It wasn’t until my junior year at PCC studying history, English, and politics that I first considered going to law school,” she said.
Sarah’s focus went beyond academic and future careers. She wanted to meet people who would inspire her walk with the Lord. Sarah found a group of friends on campus that shaped her college experience and still impacts her life. “Some of my closest friends to this day are the ones I made at PCC!” she said.
“I learned more about law school and the legal profession by attending PCC’s legal forums during my junior and senior years.”
As Sarah began to grow her knowledge of politics, she interned for U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz. “Working in that position gave me my first exposure to the law,” Sarah said. “I had the opportunity to watch my boss, the congressman, use his skills as an attorney to help his constituents.”
Good Foundations
Sarah found that her PCC English and history courses, which were built upon foundations of logic and biblical philosophy, were useful in her law career. “The literature classes I took in the English program taught me to read diverse material and think critically. They taught me to think creatively and helped me become comfortable originating new ideas and independent solutions,” she commented.
Sarah’s history lectures broadened her knowledge of the roots of political and modern thought. “The legal profession is frequently a battleground of new ideas,” she explained. “The solid foundation in history I gained at PCC has helped me be more discerning of the ideas and philosophies I encounter daily.”
Sarah also found that her education courses prepared her well for law school. “The education classes taught me how to communicate complex ideas in a readily understandable way,” she said. “They helped me become more comfortable communicating with larger groups of people, which has been invaluable as an attorney.”
“I truly cannot imagine a better preparation for law school than the education I received at PCC!”
Through her senior year, she presided over the political science club until she graduated summa cum laude. Sarah received the Christian Leadership Award for her exemplary academic achievements and spiritual example. Looking back on her time at PCC, Sarah commented, “I truly cannot imagine a better preparation for law school than the education I received at PCC!”
Looking to the Future
After completing her undergraduate degree, Sarah Williams applied to and was accepted by Texas A&M University School of Law. While studying there, Sarah assisted in founding the Journal of Law & Civil Governance, received the William B. Travis Young Attorney Award for her involvement in the journal, and graduated summa cum laude in 2024.
“I love diving into the research and coming up with a creative new solution. I also get to write all day for a living—which I love!”
Since graduating with her juris doctor, Sarah has served as a law clerk for Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in the U.S. District Court and looks forward to her next clerkship for Judge James Ho in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Beyond learning new skills, she also has become the first PCC graduate to obtain back-to-back clerkships. These experiences allow Sarah to use her writing skills while keeping busy. “I learn something new every single day! No two days are alike in the district court,” Sarah said. “A new legal issue comes across my desk every day. I love diving into the research and coming up with a creative new solution. I also get to write all day for a living—which I love!”
While law is a challenging profession, Sarah finds that researching and writing tries her skills and tests her knowledge. “I love the fact that every day is new and that I get to work on a new legal issue every day. But it’s taken me time to learn how to budget my workday,” she said. “And learning how to find the answer to a brand-new legal question has stretched me a lot as a new attorney.”
Sarah Williams has grown since her time at PCC, but her influence continues here through the 9/11 memorial. Every year, volunteers plant flags that proudly wave “over the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.