How It Started, How It's Going

How It Started, How It's Going

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Dear KCC Students,

  If you’re on social media, you have probably seen memes where someone puts up a before and after picture with the caption “How It Started, How It’s Going”.  Sometimes, the pictures are meant to be funny like the picture on the left with the dog, and other times they are meant to capture the differences at particular points in someone’s life, like the picture on the right. 

In the second image you first see a young boy with his soccer trophy, then a picture of the same boy, years later as a young man with a soccer trophy along with his teammates.   We could probably guess some of his story. He is someone who played sports as a child, and continued to do so successfully into adult life. 

The How It Started/ How It’s Going meme is all about reflecting on the past and acknowledging the present. In West Africa, the word Sankofa (of Ghanaian origin) is literally translated as san - to return; ko - to go; fa - to fetch, to seek and take. It simply means to  go back and get it. Sankofa is an important symbol in the  African Diaspora  that  reminds us of the importance of reflecting on the past in order to build a successful future. 

  As you near the end of this semester, the end of another year, and for some of you the end of your journey at KCC, I want you to reflect on where you started and where you are now. In my weekly emails, I often ask you to focus on your future, but today I am also asking you to think about your past, how far you have come, and how your experiences will help you to build the future that you want.  I can guarantee you that everything is not the same as it was a two years ago, a year ago, or even 3 months ago.  You are different now.  You are stronger and wiser because of all you experienced.   

KCC students, tell me: what you have learned, what have you experienced, and what are those things that have made an impact on you that you will take into to the bright future that awaits you?

  I look forward to hearing from you.  In the meantime, continue to mask up and stay safe.

  President Schrader