This semester, I have had the blessing of meeting several students who are beginning their time at Kellogg Community College. For many students, their first day at KCC will mark more than just a life-schedule change, it marks the beginning of a transformative journey that closely follows the “Hero’s Journey,” a narrative structure widely used in storytelling.
The Call to Adventure
Every hero begins with a call of a challenge or opportunity that demands courage. For KCC students, that call was driven by a friend, a visit or a personal recognition about doing something different. Beginning with enrollment, orientation and the first steps into new classrooms, it’s an invitation to explore knowledge, skills and experiences that will shape both academic and personal growth. The decision to answer this call is the first act of bravery in a student’s story.
Crossing the Threshold
Walking onto one of our campuses for the first time can feel as though you are entering an unknown world. The buildings, professors, classmates and resources represent the hero’s threshold. Beyond this point, familiar routines give way to new learning, new responsibilities and new communities. Here, students encounter the first of many mentors, from academic advisors to faculty members, who guide them through unfamiliar territory.
Trials and Allies
No hero achieves greatness without facing trials, and no journey is complete without allies. At KCC, students encounter both academic challenges and opportunities for growth. Each assignment, group project and discussion can feel like a trial, but they shape resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills. Along the way, classmates become companions, study groups form alliances and instructors become mentors who provide the wisdom needed to succeed.
Transformation and Growth
The hero’s journey is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is about transformation. Through dedication, curiosity and persistence, students develop new strengths, discover passions and gain the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Each milestone at KCC, from completing a first course to joining a club or applying knowledge in real-world experiences, is a step toward becoming the hero of one’s own story.
Return with Knowledge
Ultimately, every hero returns transformed, ready to contribute to their world. For KCC students, this means using acquired skills, knowledge and perspectives to impact their communities, advance in their careers and continue lifelong learning. The journey may begin on campus, but its effects ripple outward, shaping futures beyond the classroom.
Your Journey Awaits
Starting college is a courageous act, a first step in a story that is uniquely yours. At Kellogg Community College, every student is a hero, embarking on a journey of discovery, growth and transformation. Embrace the challenges, seek guidance from mentors and remember: The trials you face today are the triumphs that will define tomorrow.
This column first appeared in the September 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
