Matthew Williams stood at the edge of the pond on BYU’s campus, tossing small handfuls of food to the eager ducks paddling toward him. His wife laughed as one particularly bold duck waddled right into her hands.
It was a simple moment — a break between classes and work — but one that embodied the way Matthew lives his life: with kindness, curiosity and a deep appreciation for everything around him.
As a junior studying public relations at BYU, Williams exemplifies what President C. Shane Reese described in his "Becoming BYU" address: a student who is intellectually enlarged, spiritually strengthened and committed to serving others. Those who know him best — his wife and his older sister, Audrey Ondricek — paint a picture of a man who radiates positivity, lifts those around him and embodies the BYU motto of 'entering to learn and going forth to serve.'
Ondricek recalls that as a child, Matthew had a strong sense of loyalty and would become upset when someone he cared about was being mistreated. Over time, he has learned to channel that passion into uplifting and defending others in a more productive, Christlike way.
"People just gravitate toward Matthew because of his positivity," Ondricek said. "Our aunts and uncles even call him ‘the sunshine kid’ because he always finds the silver lining in everything."
This light, she explained, was especially evident when their mother passed away while Matthew was serving his mission. Though devastated, he became a source of comfort and strength for his family, reminding them of their faith and the eternal perspective they shared.
At BYU, Williams’ presence fosters a strong sense of belonging.
"There are absolutely no limitations to his acceptance of others," his wife said. "If you're a person, he loves you. That's it."
Whether in class, at work at the MTC or simply walking across campus, he creates an environment where people feel valued and heard. His ability to connect with others is not only shaping his university experience, but will also serve him well in his future career. As a public relations major, Williams sees his role as an advocate — someone who highlights the good in others.
"PR is all about standing up for people, helping them be seen for the good they do," Williams said. "And when I think about it, Christ is the ultimate PR professional. He always sees the best in us and helps us understand our own worth."
His experience at BYU has played a key role in that growth, providing an environment that encourages both intellectual and spiritual development. Williams said he appreciates being part of a community where faith is openly integrated into learning, helping him understand how to incorporate his beliefs into his future career.