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Answering Dr. King’s Call: Reflecting, Serving, and Building a More Just Future

ACT
January 20, 2025
Category: ACT Center for Equity in Learning | Equity |

Each year, a friend of mine pauses to read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s famous Letter from Birmingham jail (April 16, 1963) . This annual tra...

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Each year, a friend of mine pauses to read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s famous Letter from Birmingham jail (April 16, 1963). This annual tradition presents a moment to give thanks for all the progress made for justice since 1963. It is also a time to recognize that the work is not complete. Inspired by Dr. King’s words, my friend takes a moment to recommit to King’s message by fighting for love, helping their neighbor, and standing for justice. Through the many examples of challenge, struggle, determination, and sacrifice in the letter and Dr. King’s life, my friend chooses to build community, embrace action, and prioritize solidarity with those most in need. During this annual process, they pause, reflect, and reset in preparation for the unknown wonders, chaos, and opportunity of a new year.

This year, I have decided to follow my friend’s example. Before I share my thoughts on Dr. King’s life and legacy, I invite you to join me. Let us block out the noise, remain still, and read his words together.  

After revisiting the powerful and chilling words of Dr. King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, I am excited to honor his life and legacy. As I participate in the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities, Dr. King’s words of hope inspire me, and his example and commitment to choose justice over injustice and love over hate moves me.

Today, I join millions in the US and around the globe who appreciate, respect, and recognize all Dr. King sought to achieve. Justice is still worth fighting for, and whether you are creating jobs for those most in need, volunteering at a local women’s clinic, or attending your local school board meeting, know that these actions matter and there is always more we can do. Each act of service, civic engagement, and neighborly care is one more step toward the vision and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" So, today, let us listen to Dr. King’s pleas. Let them move, challenge, and activate in us a commitment to root out injustice, wherever it may stand. As for me and my house, my dedication is to love, community, service, and truth every day and in every way.


'Take Every Opportunity'

ACT
January 16, 2025
Category: Educator Resources | Equity | Guest Blog |

ACT established the ACT Scholars program to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of Io...

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ACT established the ACT Scholars program to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College, respectively. These two institutions share ACT's passion for helping all students achieve their college and career ambitions.
ACT has invited these scholars to share their stories to commemorate their journeys from application to graduation. Emma Richter is a first-generation college student at Kirkwood Community College, pursuing an Associate Degree in Accounting. Following her graduation in the spring of 2025, she plans to work full-time in accounting.

Who motivated you to attend college? 
My parents and grandma were the people who encouraged me to go to college. In my junior year of high school, I wasn’t planning on going to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, had no clue where to go, and was ready to finish school. My mom was probably the most significant factor in motivating me to attend college. She had also gone to Kirkwood, so she told me that it would be a good start, and she wanted me to move to Iowa when I was done. I decided to go to Kirkwood and get my Liberal Arts degree so that all my general education courses would be out of the way. Once I finished that, I could decide what I wanted to do. 
 
What are you currently studying? What degree do you hope to earn?  
I am studying accounting in my final semester. I hope to earn my accounting degree and then get right to work. 

What motivated you to pursue your field of study?  
I have always loved math, so when I was getting close to finishing my Liberal Arts Degree, I figured I would go into accounting to study math. I always offer to help my sister with her math assignments if she ever needs it. My family always says, “Yeah, she likes math; it’s weird.”   

Are you a first-generation college student (your parent(s) did not complete a four-year degree)? If so, how has this affected your college journey?  
Neither of my parents went to a four-year school. My dad was in road construction and didn’t attend college. My mom went to Kirkwood for two years and was done after that. This has affected me because when people tell me I should go to a four-year, I can’t ask either of my parents what it was like. I don’t want to go to a four-year due to the cost of it when I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the first place, and I still am just taking a guess. I don’t have as many people in my family to ask their thoughts about four-year universities.

What is the biggest challenge you faced as a college student?  
My biggest challenge now that I am a fully online college student is ensuring I complete all my schoolwork on time, along with my work and activities schedules. I just started a full-time position, and I always go and watch my sister’s volleyball games, which are a couple of nights a week. So, I sometimes struggle to get everything done in time. But I need to get a better plan for myself, and I think that will solve my problems. 

What advice would you give to college students or first-generation college students today?   
I would tell them to take every opportunity and not worry about the little things. A lot goes on when you are in college, and sometimes you forget things. I think that students should have fun and not worry about all the essential stuff all the time. Give yourself some time to relax and have fun. Make lots of friends and go out and enjoy the time you have here while it lasts.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently throughout your education?  
If I were to change anything, I would have tried to be more outgoing. I am a shy person and have a hard time talking to new people. I would stick to myself during in-person classes and not speak to anyone. I lived alone, so I didn't have a roommate to help me be more outgoing. If you are going to college, I would get a roommate, make many new friends, and have as much fun as possible.  

What does this ACT Scholarship mean to you? How does it affect your educational journey?  
This scholarship helped me not only with my school but also with my everyday life. Because I got this scholarship, I did not have to worry about working daily and saving tons of money to pay off my schooling. I could watch all my sister’s high school volleyball and basketball games. I could go home and see my family when I wanted to. This scholarship has helped me in many ways, and I cannot thank everyone enough. 
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