Staying vigilant: Braden Stillwell’s road to success

Braden Stillwell will be receiving a bachelor's degree in sociology during UTC's Dec. 14 commencement ceremony. Photo by Angela Foster.

Braden Stillwell will be graduating from UTC on Dec. 14 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Photo by Angela Foster.

Three and a half years since starting college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, senior sociology major Braden Stillwell looks back on the wild ride his experience at UTC has been as he prepares to cross the finish line at graduation.

“People have always told me to make the most of your time at college, live it to the fullest and make your time at college worth it, and that’s really what I wanted to do—so I definitely feel like I’ve achieved that accomplishment of making the most out of college,” Stillwell said. “Then secondly, advocating for my peers and stuff, which I think I’ve been able to do effectively as well.”

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Although Stillwell recognized that he has not always been an extroverted person, he began to learn in high school and continued to do so in college that—with the right supporters and attitude—he can be a driving force of positivity and change.

During his time at UTC, Stillwell has started a sociology club, been the vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and was elected homecoming king this October. Among his many accomplishments, he takes pride in his commitment to supporting others and finds relief in Chattanooga’s accepting community.

“Because I’m a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel like for me and for a lot of other people in that community, (Chattanooga) offers us a safe space,” Stillwell said. “I think that Chattanooga is really one of those safe havens of not having to worry about it as much as you would if you were living in other places in the state.”

A native of Etowah, Tennessee, Stillwell—who will be receiving his degree during commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14—will be staying in the area following graduation.

Braden Stillwell

Stillwell is gearing up for a new job with Chattanooga Area Regional Transport Authority (CARTA), stemming from his current role with them as a transportation intern.

However, he does not intend to stop there. Stillwell is currently working on submitting applications for master’s degree programs where he can further study urban planning.

“I realized that urban sociology and urban planning was the path for me because it’s very hands-on,” Stillwell said, “and you really get to see the change that happens with the policies and stuff that you put in place. It’s really awesome to see that change actually physically happening in front of you.”

Reflecting on his college experience, Stillwell discussed that his goals were not always clear to him. Upon coming to Chattanooga, he struggled to stay motivated.

“My freshman spring semester, I had a very rough time and I struggled to keep grades up,” Stillwell said. “I barely ever left my dorm, and during the whole freshman year itself, I was barely involved with campus at all.”

Already involved with Freshman Senate, he pulled through his first year with help from his peers in SGA and other supporters who assured him that if he kept moving forward, he would reach his destination.

“It was the UTC community kind of circling around me and providing support, providing what I’ve always described as the Moc spirit, which is just making sure that your fellow UTC peers are also succeeding in the way that you’re able to succeed,” Stillwell said.

“I stayed vigilant, I stayed on the path and I fought hard to be where I am now. Because I stayed vigilant, I’ve been able to accomplish all that I’ve been able to do now.”

As Stillwell finished up the last of his responsibilities as a student, he thanked the vast network of people who have encouraged and helped him throughout his journey at UTC. Recognizing the ups and downs along the way, he advised others to remember that regardless of the challenges they face, they can still reach their destination.

“It’s always a fluctuation. So you’ll get through it, you’ll make it through,” Stillwell said. “UTC is the perfect community to come and support you through those tough times. They’ll make it through. They just have to stay vigilant.”