By Terell St. John

I’ve never felt deep down inside of me that I was ever shy or timid. However, everyone one around me would describe me as such. I must admit at times I am unfriendly and come off as uncaring, and the truth is most times I am. When I began my journey at Kingsborough Community College, I was this way and I can now say that being here has changed me for the better.

I used to think that having friends and people I could look up to and those who could look up to me was pointless. I sometimes would feel like I couldn’t trust anyone.  Not only that, but that friendship and mentorship relationships would take away from me pursuing my life journey. I was wrong.

I am learning everyday how big the world is, and that if you want to make an imprint on the greater society that you have to think big: in your relationship, in your work, and in every aspect of your life.

The truth is we are a community, a community of our universe, planet, world, country, state, borough, college, work, family and friends. No man is an island, and no man knows all truth. We all rely on each to carry each other’s burdens, to show love towards each other, because at the end of the day, year, life, we are all that we have.

People show us new things, some exciting and some boring. People allow us to explore ourselves and our values both good and bad. People test our patience everyday yet gives us hope to believe in our darkest moments. No amount of success can heal a broken heart and a lonely soul. I appreciate being a light to people who need that guidance because I have in the past needed a light.

I have needed a shoulder to lean on when times were bad. I have needed a friend who knew all my secrets and all my fears to help me make decisions that would benefit me. The only way that I can thank the universe for all the opportunities and doors that have been pried open for me, is to return the favor. That’s why I have to share that light because ultimately we are all responsible for each other and our futures. If our future generation is a corrupt one and instead of a utopia, we live in a dystopia, we would only have ourselves to blame.

Terell St. John is a second semester Peer Mentor in the Opening Doors Learning Communities at Kingsborough Community College.