Kevin Krauskopf reflects on personal values for #ElmhurstUVotes luncheon

Kevin Krauskopf, first-generation student and assistant director of housing and residence life, reflected on adversities he faced prior to knowing his personal values at the virtual #ElmhurstUVotes luncheon on Nov. 11. 

“There were a lot of obstacles I had to overcome, and there were mistakes that I made because I wasn’t familiar with my values,” Krauskopf said.

It wasn’t until graduate school, where Krauskopf found himself to be supported by his education, that he began to reveal his values. “As time went on, as I went through my education, this conversation kept coming up.” 

Although he has developed some self-understanding, Krauskopf still battles with opposing social values such as money, comfort, convenience, and entertainment. 

Krauskopf extended his sympathy to people who face a similar struggle in practicing and aligning themselves with personal values.

“This year is the perfect example of the muck that the world can fling at us [with] viruses, injustices, difficult conversations across differences in regards to politics,” he said. 

Jasmin Robinson, director of diversity and inclusion, followed by sharing that “the value of our money doesn’t align with what we do with our people.” 

“I believe money should not be valued in the same ways [as people],” she said. 

The discussion was wrapped up with an uplifting attitude; the act of finding attunement with your own values is one of change and reevaluation. 

Krauskopf advised the audience to continue utilizing their values as they navigate life.

“When I sit with that stuff, I come to terms with [the fact that] I am going to change,” Krauskopf asserted. “My life is going to change and for me that’s okay.”