Justin Starr started at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in 2002 as a high school dual enrollment student. He took the bus from his home in Sewickley to Allegheny Campus, and earned his Associate of Science in General Studies. Later, Justin went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science from the University of Virginia, and his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Florida.

My Mom remembers where she was when President Kennedy was assassinated. I can tell you where I was in the early hours of September 11th. And most recently, for many of us, we can tell you exactly where we were when the news of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg was announced. Sometimes the ground literally feels like it's shifting directly beneath our feet, the weight of the entire world feels as if it's crushing on those tiny shoulders, and it seems nearly impossible to even remember to breathe.

It’s September. Traditionally, we’re talking about student schedules, managing our time, how to embrace kindness in those new and often scary experiences, and approaching that chaotic last quarter of the year with a renewed spirit. Um, it’s 2020–this one is far from traditional. While we’re still talking about schedules, time management, kindness, new experiences, and that last quarter, it’s all sorts of different this time around. 

How are you handling it all?

“The best entrepreneurs and most successful people I’ve ever encountered view change as opportunities. Every time an industry is adjusted and the terrain shifts, they don’t get on a soapbox and start complaining. Instead, they analyze the situation and determine how they can adapt, and act, in a way that leaves them better than they would have been if they kept trying to do the same thing.” 

'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion...And if they can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love' - Nelson Mandela