President’s Weekly Messages to Students

BOB MARLEY

Monday, August 15, 2022

Dear KCC Students,

Sometimes I like get in my car and take a drive to nowhere in particular especially when there is hardly any traffic on the road.  I enjoy watching the night time skies light up as the sun makes its grand appearance. Yesterday, was one of those days. I woke up and decided to take an early morning drive north. I jumped in my car and decided that I wanted to listen to some Bob Marley.  I love all of his music and especially like many of the messages he shares through his music.

I was listening to one of my favorite songs, ‘Coming in from the Cold’ and singing (at least trying to sing) along with him.  And there is a part in the song where he says, “don’t you know when one door is closed, another is open?”  

I thought about how in life, we think that when things don’t happen immediately, that means that it will never happen.  We often think that when things don’t work out exactly the way we want it to, that means it can’t work it ever.  We often let disappointments stop us in our tracks.    Bob Marley reminds us, that often times disappointment is paving the way for a different, and sometimes even a better opportunity or outcome.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but even though you may not be able walk through the door you wanted to right now, you need to know that there is another door waiting for you to open it.   

Also, some of us (because I am talking to myself too), don’t even have to worry about doors that are closed to us, because we are also busy closing our own doors and ignoring opportunities to step into something great.  

KCC students: do not close the door on your future or earning your college degree.  If the door to full-time study was closed because of your job schedule, limited finances to pay for college or childcare issues, let me know so I can put you in touch with the right person to see if and how we can help you. Or if full-time study is not an option, consider registering part-time, so  you can maintain the momentum you have already developed.

A new academic year is upon us. Kingsborough’s doors are wide open.  Step through.  Come in from the cold of disappointment and uncertainty and step boldly into the opportunity to create the future you want for yourself and your family.  I know you have everything it takes to be successful.

President Schrader