After a long and forceful political season, Americans everywhere are learning a valuable lesson about the dynamic of change. It can be daunting, and it requires sanctuary with and for each other. Seward County Community College is committed to bringing people together to become our best.

Social justice, respect, collaboration, and unity are at the heart of our work as lifelong learners. These ideas frame our lives, not just in the classroom, but as  community members. I challenge all of us — students, team members at SCCC, stakeholders and community members — to reflect on our recent election outcome and on our collective ability to change and to promote progress, regardless of political belief.

Whether you woke up after the election cheered or dispirited,remember that your individual ability, your resilience, your core ideals and values can inspire and motivate people around you.

We saw this spirit on display when the Liberal Police Department and SCCC faculty teamed up to reassure Somali residents of Liberal that we don’t foster hatred here.

We affirm it every time our Saints athletic teams lock arms in solidarity and respect for the National Anthem.

We watch it flourish every time a new, eight-week session starts at the Colvin Adult Learning Center, and people from all over the world take hold of the American dream with English and citizenship classes.

And we practice it daily as we learn together, listen to each other, and move forward together.

These examples demonstrate that while change can be unsettling, we can create our own space and culture — a community built on common values of trust, integrity, valuing others, quality, and student success.And we can help that community grow by reaching out to those around us. On this campus, in this community, we are all Saints.

I believe we can utilize this historic outcome as a worthy lesson in how we should never be afraid to step forward and cultivate a steady voice that enables people around us to see value and potential. It is there in what we may see, in what we may hear, and in what we may feel is important to all, and that is larger than any one of us.

Peace,