President’s Weekly Message

You are powerful beyond measure.

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Good morning Students,

This is not quite what I had in mind for my first message to you in the new year, but the events of the last 24 hours have weighed so heavily on my mind and spirit that I felt compelled to reach out to you this morning.  Many of you feel this same weight.  Like you, I understand and respect a diversity of opinions even those that differ from my own and like you I know that difference should not be synonymous  with disrespect.    Yesterday, I vacillated between watching in disbelief what was occurring in our nation's capita l, and not watching because of the sadness and helplessness I felt in those moments.  

I woke up this morning with more resolve and with the unequivocal knowledge that I, you, we  are not  helpless nor powerless.  The power of our words matter, and we know that our actions, whether big or small have powerful consequences.  As president, and as part of the team of faculty and staff who are here to support your success, our power lies in our ability to help you to reach your goals.  You however, are the most powerful of us all.  We have already seen you flex this power by deciding to earn a college degree and I am humbled by power you exemplified this past year despite its many challenges.  

Today, we stand at the intersection of a life altering global pandemic and civil, social and political unrest in a powerful space, a transformative space called higher education.   It  is a space where we are called upon as educators to walk with you through this time and explore and discuss these important issues; and this semester we will create an opportunity to do so.   I need you to know that although we are at this challenging space, know that you are in the right place. Your college degree will open doors, knock down walls, and help you to build the future you want.  

Please know if you need someone to talk and to help you power through we are here to listen. You can reach out to the Counseling Center at: Counselingandhealthservices@kbcc.cuny.edu.

Continue to power through to your goals.  If you have not registered for the Spring semester, please do so as soon as possible.

If you are in need of financial assistance or require additional services or resources, please see the list of student service offices here: ​ https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/distancelearning/studentserviceshours.html.

Stay powerful and working towards your purpose.

President Schrader​