First-Gen Forward: William McPhail Jr. is repurposing sacrifice into triumph

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 17, 2024) - Some people take years to find their purpose, the thing that gives them direction and meaning. But others, like William McPhail Jr., are born with a veil, gifted with the vision to see their destiny from day one.

"I have always been interested in attorneys because of their pivotal role in the Civil Rights era. Black attorneys have always pushed the color line further into White America and brought down legal barriers for the community. I want to do the same."

The Price of Childhood

McPhail holds the distinction of someone twice his age, speaking with an intention and assurance usually reserved for someone with a lifetime of experience. While other students struggle to balance campus life, academics and responsibilities, he's efficient at time management, and his planning and organization skills are akin to those of a corporate CEO.

McPhail attributes his maturity to his childhood. Being raised with two siblings by a single mother, he became the "man of the house," taking on extra duties to help lighten the load.

In the eighth grade, he opted to forego sports, orchestra and a traditional high school to attend a college-preparation academy. But McPhail doesn't regret his decision. He served as president for three years and graduated in 2022 with an associate of arts in general studies degree, his proudest accomplishment to date. "I got my associate degree before my diploma. It enraptures my dedication to education and reminds me to stick with things for the long run."

The courses and development he received gave McPhail insight into how college worked before his first year at Prairie View A&M University.

"There were many times I wanted to drop out to have a "normal" high school experience with a prom and homecoming dance. But as I look back, I am glad I didn't because those things were important for the time being. This [associates] degree, however, has opened many doors and made my overall schooling much cheaper."

Admission to Pantherland

College was never a choice for McPhail, who'd dreamed of becoming an attorney since he was ten years old. "I was set on education being my way out for a long time," he said. His mother was also adamant that McPhail attend college. She graduated Valedictorian from Dallas' Kimball High School in 2004, the same year she had McPhail. She instilled in him the importance of education and the places it could take him and his siblings.

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With a deep love and pride for his community and history, McPhail aspired to enroll in a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). So, it was an obvious choice when he received a full scholarship from PVAMU.

Attending an HBCU and living in a rural city has been a positive culture shock for McPhail. He describes the hallmark of the culture as a special personability that permeates the campus. Looking at the university through the eyes of McPhail, the campus is almost akin to the likes of Wakanda. But he says there isn't magical vibranium. PVAMU is a hotbed for long-lasting powerships because of genuine people and the idea of collective success and elevation. Students have abundant resources, including an expansive network and support system, to jumpstart their careers and develop as young people.

McPhail has already found his stride at the nearly 150-year-old institution. He's involved in the Student Government Association (VP of External Affairs), overseeing all off-campus activity from housing to government to conferences. McPhail is also the Vice President of the Blackstone Pre-law Society and a member of the Honors Program and Panther Advisor Leaders (PALS).

Cashing in on His Investment

McPhail is hours from his hometown of Oak Cliff, a neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, but at every gathering, he realizes what his accomplishments mean to his family. They affirm him with encouraging words and future tellings that speak to their shared vision. "I want to show my younger siblings and cousins that even though things may seem hopeless, it is possible. I've learned that delayed gratification is much more fulfilling and lasting than short-term fixes."

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The junior pre-law student describes himself as a passionate leader on a career track devoted to advocacy and civil rights that protect the liberties of justice and due process for underrepresented communities.

Everything McPhail has done in the last ten years is leading up to his career as an attorney, from majoring in criminal justice and minoring in English to interning for Peachtree NORML and his upcoming summer session with Apple's Governmental Affairs team in Washington, D.C.

After working in law for about six years, he wants to open a private practice to build a network and later run for a local office. "So that I am not just defending people after they have broken the law, but changing what laws are breakable." With a background in sociology and an innate interest in how people think and gather subconsciously, McPhail strives to improve policies and systems that impact society, such as criminal justice disparities.

McPhail anticipates some challenges on his journey. None of which has shaken his commitment. Instead, he's motivated by his accomplishments to do more, remaining hopeful and excited to see where life will take him.

He advises his first-generation peers to expand their thinking, look past present barriers and spread their wings. "​​Where I'm from, many spirits have dimmed because the environment only allows you to become certain things. It's a mentality that plagues many people I know. Traveling and taking in new perspectives is important to become well-rounded individuals unbound by circumstances. Some first-gen students may be afraid to leave home, but we all have to fly one day, and the sooner you fall and bump your head, the sooner you can get back up and try again."

By Whitney Stovall

-PVAMU-

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