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KCC Celebrates First-Generation College Student Joseph Kidney ’22 For His Commitment to Staying the Course

Joseph Kidney ’22, a media arts major, will be the first in his family to graduate from college this spring. It’s a milestone that gives him much pride – and he hopes will encourage others. 

The Gravesend resident began his studies at Kingsborough Community College in 2020. “It’s awesome having gone through this,” said Kidney. “There was pressure knowing I would be the first in my family to graduate college. Family members have said that they wished they had gone to college and that someone had pushed them to do it.  It’s great to be a pioneer and influence my cousins or whoever comes next.”

“What ultimately fueled my decision to attend college was my desire to be successful, and personally, I believe it starts with a college degree," he added. “My family was very happy for me when I told them, even though they had never attended college themselves. They were more than proud of me for choosing to attend.”

The experience at Kingsborough has been positive for him. “Every professor I’ve had has been great. The staff has been very helpful. The campus is beautiful. And, I feel I’m always being encouraged to do better. Everyone at Kingsborough is concerned about helping students get to the next level and pursue their dreams.”

Kidney plans to go onto a senior college to earn his bachelor’s degree. “I’m really into pop culture … music, fashion, sports. I really would love working in these fields, doing public relations or working with people who are influencers in the pop culture scene.”