Khalid Joshua Jr.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Khalid Joshua Jr., and I attended Sinclair College from 2017 to 2020, where I majored in Visual Communications. I am currently the owner and operator of KRA Designs LLC, a company specializing in commercial and residential painting, power washing, site maintenance, and site cleanup.

As the owner/operator, I manage daily operations including supervising my crew, handling payroll for employees and subcontractors, and securing new business opportunities to support and grow the company.

What inspired you to pursue your career path, and how did Sinclair help you get there?

What inspired me to become an entrepreneur were my parents. They both started their careers working for companies, but eventually transitioned into running their own business by applying their skill sets independently. I witnessed firsthand howthey persevered through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Their journey showed me that anything worth doing comes with challenges, but those challenges make the rewards even more meaningful.

Additionally, the faculty and fellow students at Sinclair College played a significant role in shaping my career path. Their support and encouragement kept me motivated to pursue the more challenging route of building something of my own whilecontinuing to learn. To this day, I maintain meaningful connections with both faculty and friends I met during my time at Sinclair.

How would you describe the impact Sinclair had on your life, both in and out of the classroom?

Sinclair had a tremendous impact on my life. It gave me the opportunity to travel, learn, and explore the world around me,rather than remain confined to a repetitive routine. I was fortunate to participate in programs such as Young Scholars andAMMI, which broadened my perspective and enriched my educational experience. Through my connections at Sinclair, I developed a deeper sense of responsibility and accountability-not just for myself, but also in recognizing that I am the one who ultimately chooses the direction of my life.

How has your definition of success changed from when you were a Sinclair student to now?

When I was a student, I defined success as maintaining a high GPA and applying myself fully in my college studies. As anadult, my understanding of success has evolved. Today, success means remaining grounded in Jesus and His peace, maintaining a balanced schedule, achieving financial stability, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

True success is not allowing the pressures or distractions of the world to make you feel as though you're falling behind or missing out. It's about living with purpose, balance, and contentment.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to current Sinclair students?

One piece of advice I would offer to current Sinclair students is embodied in a quote by Mark Twain: 'Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

In today's society, individuals often adopt an individualistic mindset that can become overly self-focused. However, thinking of others is an act of selflessness that fosters wisdom. It allows a person to gain perspective on how best to help both themselves and those around them.

Lastly, never fear starting over or making mistakes. Society often portrays failure as something destructive, but in reality, failure is inevitable-and essential-for success. Embrace it as part of the journey forward. "The Steps of a man are established by the lord, and he delights in his way"- Psalms 27:23