Everyone has a story. After 20 years of working at Lincoln Land Community College, I could write a book filled with wonderful stories.
In a world bustling with noise and activity, it’s easy to overlook the stories that shape the lives around us. Yet, within individuals, there exist distinctive tales, journeys that contain trials, triumphs and moments that define them. As we navigate life, it becomes apparent that every person we encounter carries a unique story worthy of acknowledgment, appreciation and gratitude.
We recently held our annual scholarship appreciation event, and during that occasion a wonderful story emerged — an extra special moment that took place between a donor and a scholarship recipient.
This particular recipient was wearing a sophisticated cowboy hat. The inquisitive donor asked the student about his hat and discovered that he didn’t remove it because it covered his head where his hair has yet to grow back. You see, this student enrolled at LLCC at the age of 24. At 23 years of age, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. He underwent 12 rounds of chemo and 24 rounds of radiation. He said, “Six months of fighting for my life was the eye-opening experience I believe I needed to get … in gear and chase some dreams.”
When he graduates from LLCC, he will be the first in his immediate family to have graduated from college. “LLCC has been an incredible addition to my life. Without a doubt this is a community that I enjoy being involved with, and especially enjoy where this road is headed!”
He is one example of our students’ stories — hard working students who are entering fields of study like nursing, culinary, diesel technology, agriculture, education, computer science, electrical line worker, art, auto technology, business and more to help build strong communities.
As a community, we can help support additional LLCC students in their educational journeys. One way is to encourage students to apply for scholarships. Nov. 15 is the opening day of the LLCC Foundation scholarship application period for the 2024-2025 school year. Applying is easy. Only one online application needs to be completed to apply for all scholarships for which a student qualifies. Students can apply online at llccfoundation.org/scholarships through Feb. 15.
Nov. 15 is also LLCC’s Giving Day! Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the college are encouraged to participate in this online fundraising event. The purpose is to raise critical funding for student needs. Gifts provide the precious gift of opportunity — the opportunity to innovate and provide maximum flexibility for the college to meet our current priorities. With your help, we can develop groundbreaking programs, invest in essential resources and nurture the chapters yet to be written in the lives of students.
During this season of Thanksgiving, may we continue to cherish the stories of gratitude and giving. Please consider making a gift on LLCC’s Giving Day, Nov. 15. The gift of an education will have long lasting effects and a far-reaching impact. Go to www.llccfoundation.org/donate and be assured that your gift will directly benefit students in your communities.
It is through the recognition of stories, like those of our LLCC students, that we cultivate a culture of appreciation, fostering a world where every story, no matter how modest, holds the power to inspire and ignite transformative change.