I did a thing!

From: York president <president@york.cuny.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 12:39 PM
Subject: I did a thing!

Dear Cardinals,

I did a thing this weekend.  I ran a 5k.  I mean a literally ran the whole thing.  So, hear me out, that was not the plan, my only goal was to beat my time (1 hour, 1 minute and 18 seconds) when I ran in the JamaicaQ 5k  this past  September.  Once I started running couldn't stop, or should I say I didn't want to stop.  My knee started to hurt, then my toe, and I could hardly breathe.  I kept thinking about all the reasons why stopping would be okay, but I kept on running because I knew it would be a great accomplishment, it would be something I could look back on and be proud of. So, I ran the whole way, right through the finish line.  After all of that, would you believe that the system did not record my time?!!  When I went to look up my stats, I saw a DNF which stands for Did Not Finish next to my name!   I was so disappointed that there was no evidence of efforts.  But I got over it, because all the proof I need is inside of me.

Just like those voices inside my head that gave me so many reasons to stop running, take a time out, or walk the rest of the way, I know sometimes that there are times when you might be thinking about putting a pause on your college degree goals.  I talked myself out of it, but fortunately for you there are advisors, professors and others who are ready to be your sounding board and your support.  I also know that sometimes, there may be very real voices from people around you are telling you that a college degree is not for you. I kept going by blocking out the noise, focusing on what was ahead, and truth be told, when I looked around at my surroundings, I was hyped when I realized how far I had come.

I am here to tell you that the fact that you are student now means that every day, every semester, and every year you are getting closer to accomplishing your goals.  Keep going.  You got this!

• President Schrader

P.S. Tomorrow is election day.  Remember to go votee!