President’s Weekly Messages to Students

Rise and Shine!

Sunday, December 25, 2022

 

Dear KCC Students,

I’ve probably shared this with you before, but I am not one who celebrates holidays, but I do understand their value.  I woke up this morning reflecting on Hanukkah and the Menorah Lighting, Christmas and the stars that often crown Christmas trees, and the candles of Kwanzaa’s Kinaras, I am reminded once again, that “what unites us is far greater than what divides us”.  We all share the light in common.  You certainly are the light.  You light up our college with your energy and your dreams for the future. 

A student came by my office last week, she indicated that she had a holiday gift for me.  I explained to her that I don't accept gifts from students. When she told me this was her last semester, I told her that  she already gave me the only gift I want from each of you... and that is for you to complete your degrees and transfer or enter the doors to a career where you cannot only make a difference and a living wage to so that you can not just pursue, but achieve all your professional and personal dreams.

 I think back to where we two years ago and a line from Maya Angelou’s poem comes to mind:

But still, like dust, I’ll rise. 

COVID and other challenges may have held you down, but you were never out.  This year, you moved FORWARD towards achieving your goals.  But as we enter another year, I want you to RISE and SHINE! Rise to the occasion of being a college student on a mission, and shine with the all the possibilities and opportunities that await you next year and in the future.

Thank you for making Kingsborough your academic home. Thank you for enriching our lives and your own. Thank you for being my light!

I wish for you a very happy holiday season.  Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! and Happy Kwanzaa!

May you continue RISE and SHINE in 2023!

-President Schrader