Welcome students, professors, and faculty to the first edition of our new college newspaper, the "KPC Connection." As the student editor of the KPC Connecton, I look forward to participation from everyone here at Kenai Peninsula College as well as members from the community. The newspaper is not only a source of information; it will be an expression of students and staff who all share in the unique educational experience here at KPC.

In the next edition we will have "Letters To The Editor". Both Suzie Kendrick and I are expecting letters for publication in our next edition of the KPC Connection. If you are interested, these letters can be turned into Student Services, the Student Union, or the Community Relations office. I'm sure that these letters will reflect concerns, comments, and information that are vital to the college and peninsula at large.

This has been my ninth consecutive semester at Kenai Peninsula College, and I believe that this has been the most difficult semester in my recollection. With the tragedies on September 11, it has been very difficult to maintain focus on the collegiate "tasks at hand." The homework, quizzes, and tests seem ridiculous with all that is happening around the globe. Albeit, it is what we are doing here, that makes all the difference! We are educating ourselves, learning new ideas, and viewing the world around us with eyes untainted by ignorance. Only in a country with the freedoms that we possess are we able to do the things that we are doing in the classroom and in our homes. You should give yourself a pat on the back for maintaining the drive to succeed here at Kenai Peninsula College; these successes in a small college in a rural setting will enable each and every one of us to succeed in our lives.

Thank you for taking the time to peruse our newspaper, which is only a reflection of our college, community, and our country. The staff of the KPC Connection will work hard to provide you with a college newpaper that you can be proud of and await your constructive feedback.

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Editorial: Suzie Kendrick, Community Relations

As a relatively new employee of Kenai Peninsula College, I want to remind everyone just how lucky we all are to be here. It is easy to forget how crazy the rest of the world is when we're safe and sound at Kenai Peninsula College studying or doing our jobs. KPC is a refuge that gives each of us the opportunity to pursue our goals and do our best work. I have felt the spirit of KPC infect my soul since the day I became the Community Relations Coordinator. And unlike most infections, this is one I'd like to share. I hope to help others make the "CONNECTION" via this publication. I am excited about letting the newsletter tell others about what KPC can do for them.

The "KPC Connection" will be a monthly, student driven newsletter primarily delivered via the web. We will make every attempt to give readers an idea of what makes our campus special. I am honored to share role of editor with KPC student, Glenn Stinsman who you often see serving students as an advisor in Student Services. We hope to work together to establish a balanced editorial approach to the newsletter. The concept of the newsletter was developed by a steering committee comprised of staff, faculty, and students. We want to use the newsletter to help build a sense of community on campus. It is absolutely vital that KPC students support this project by voicing concerns and ideas that will allow the newsletter to remain responsive to campus needs.

The "KPC Connection" will be developing an identity for sometime. We have set up a basic format that will continue to be refined through out the semester. The "Connection" hopes to function as a clearinghouse for campus classified ads, bulletin board announcements, and general information regarding KPC activities. We also hope to encourage constructive discussions with student letters to the editors. Students can find forms for submitting free classified ads and letters to the editors at the Student Union office. These forms can be turned in to the Student Union, Student Services, or the Community Relations office next door to the Learning Center.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to help support your community campus and make the "KPC Connection". We need your writings. It's tough to put together a student driven newsletter without student authors. Tell us how you feel. Are you angry? Sad? Disappointed? Are you happy? Excited? Energized? Write a paragraph that reflects how you feel. This is all about you. Let's connect.