For many of us, COVID-19 has intensely altered and distorted our lives in contrast to our usual safety net of how we view and live in this world. Besides the terrible impact of this illness on friends and loved ones, the loss of income and constant worry about today, tomorrow, and the future keeps many people frozen in time. Without the emotional and financial support to move forward and make decisions about life, this fear of the unknown is causing anxiety to a level never before experienced by many people.
And yet, as I watch the civil unrest continuing to grow throughout our nation, I am sadly reminded once again of how many of our friends and neighbors (close by, throughout the nation, and throughout the world) have always lived with and continue to live with fear of the unknown. Now, more than ever, that sense of community that is at the heart of the community college mission is important for students, co-workers, friends and neighbors throughout our great country. It is through community that we listen, learn, and seek to understand. It is through community that we demonstrate our support and care for others. And it is through community that we can overcome those fears and accomplish our dreams for a vibrant future.
