2020 BE STOFB K . COM
COURIER LIFE, DECEMBER 24-30, 2021 23
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These past two years
have been the most challenging
of my professional
life. The weight of protecting
the health and safety of
the Kingsborough while we
continued to fulfill our mission
has been an incredible
one. Fortunately, it is not one
I carry alone; I am fortunate
to do this work on behalf and
with a stellar community
of faculty and staff. And
we do it proudly, willingly
and excitedly because of the
dynamic students that call
Kingsborough their academic
home. This month, it is my
pleasure to turn the reigns
of this month’s column to
one such student, Anthony H.
Thomas.
The first time I stepped
through the Kingsborough gates
I did so in 2009 as a Continuing
Education student. I completed
both a Paralegal Certificate and
a certificate in Public Speaking.
My time in Continuing Ed was
so positive that when I decided
I wanted to obtain my degree,
I could only think of one place:
KCC. My new journey began
in the Spring of 2020. The news
reported a nation under siege;
Covid-19 had spread throughout
the United States and worldwide.
The pandemic and socialdistance
guidelines forced us
into a virtual world, restricting
human connection. As many
stayed home, they became aware
of another pandemic brewing for
years – the killing of many African
Americans in America. In
protest, African Americans hit
the streets in the thousands,
calling for change and an equitable
criminal justice system.
As a believer in creating a better
world for all humanity, the
question to myself was, “how
can I help to heal the world and
make it a better place?” At that
time, I thought becoming a law
enforcement officer would help,
and have better policing in communities
that felt attacked. I applied
to Kingsborough Community
College (KCC), and I was
accepted; then came the KCC
Welcome Wagon with the college
president herself. Immediately,
I felt at home as I asked, “How
many college presidents take the
time to welcome students in this
fashion?” President Schrader
encouraged me and told me that
I could do it. Many times I felt
like I wanted to quit, but I would
hear her voice in my head saying
I could do it, and I pressed on. I
did so with a major in criminal
justice.
My first semester was scary,
but I gave it my all. I was very
pleased and super impressed that
I was able to accomplish straight
A grades, ending that semester
on a high with a 3.9 GPA. At the
end of Fall 2020 semester, I was
inducted into Phi Theta Kappa
honor society and later became
Vice President of Service. During
my time at KCC, I also ran a
successful campaign to become
chief of staff for the Student Government
Association, served as
a delegate in The University Students
Senate for City University
of New York (CUNY), became an
America Needs You fellow, was
on the Dean’s list all three semesters
and, most recently, was
inducted to the National Society
For Leadership and Success.
As the world transitioned
from the COVID-19 pause, I returned
to work. Due to a shortage
of workers returning, I was
tasked with more than 40 hours
per week. It has been rough;
many mornings, I have had to
be at work by 4:30 a.m. and left
at 11:30 p.m., catching little sleep
between days. My phone was not
just a phone; it became my workbook
and modem as I used it for
a hotspot to access lectures and
submit assignments. The job,
class courses, and school committees
were demanding, but
I made it work. I had to jump
on Zoom calls for committees
and society meetings during
work hours. Looking back, I
could hardly find time to catch
my breath, but my faith, family,
friends, and most of all, my
dog, Vogue, helped me navigate
through the storms and remain
sane.
Now that I have completed
my associate degree, with honors,
I was accepted to five colleges
in New York City, John
Jay College of Criminal Justice,
Baruch College, Hunter College,
Brooklyn College, and City College.
At KCC, I connected with
many students from diverse
backgrounds. I have managed
to establish friendships that will
last a lifetime. College was a big
transition for me, but in a few
months (and less than 2 years)
I will earn my college degree. I
am grateful for this experience
and for new philosophical approach
to life and this world that
I gained at KCC.
Dr. Claudia V. Schrader
is president of Kingsborough
Community College (KCC), a
72-acre academic oasis located
in beautiful Manhattan
Beach, Brooklyn. Kingsborough
Community College
is committed to enhancing
learning opportunities for
the Brooklyn community.
EDUCAT I O N PROFI LE
From Continuing Ed Student to College Graduate
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