Will Lambley, a graduating senior at the U of A, has some advice for anyone facing difficulties in life: “If you’re going through something hard, don’t just go through that challenge by yourself. I promise, there is someone out there who wants to help you and wants to see you succeed.”

Having lost his eyesight in high school, Lambley is no stranger to overcoming challenges. In the university’s newest Short Takes episode, “No Excuses,” Lambley shares how he continued to pursue his love for football even after his diagnosis and how he fulfilled his dream of attending college at the U of A.

In the video, mentor Lynn Meade, teaching associate professor in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and fellow 2025 graduate Will Walker describe what they’ve learned from Lambley and the lasting impression he’s made on their lives.

“It doesn’t matter what you face,” Lambley says. “You never know who you can impact.”

Thanks to the resources and community Lambley found at the U of A, he thrived during his four years on the Hill and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communication in May 2025. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate school and will continue to serve as an inspirational speaker and host of The Rise Above Podcast, where he explores the lives of people who overcame adversity.

“What dictates where you go in life isn’t really the challenges, but it’s your perspective during that challenge,” he said.

Watch “Short Takes: No Excuses” to hear more of Lambley’s story. For additional Short Takes videos, visit shorttakes.uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.