“Some people need a jump start in life, a push in the right direction – community college was that push for me. Now that I’m at a University and loving it, I can say that I wouldn’t be where I am without starting at community college first. It taught me about myself, about life, and prepared me for the next steps that lied ahead at a University and the real world. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

1. It's okay to not have your whole life planned

When I was a senior in high school, I was ready to graduate and go live my life. Only problem was, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. A couple months into senior year, people were already committing to universities and making their final decisions. By the second semester, College Decision Day rolled around – I still had no idea what I was doing. I felt left out, but I realized that it was okay to do something different than everyone else, and I had so many options. Community college just happened to be the best one out of those options.

2. Just because you did or didn't do well in high school doesn't mean it'll be the same for college

If you ask any of my teachers in high school, they’ll probably tell you I was a great kid, super nice, super respectful, but I doubt any of them will tell you I was a star student. I was in high school for the social stuff, and I never applied myself like I should have. I was a smart kid, who just didn’t really care. When I got to college and everything changed. I decided that I wanted to do better, and that this was more serious because this would affect my future (and my bank account with the thousands of dollars I was spending on classes). Where I was an average student in high school, I’m an A student in college. Anything is possible. It’s never too late for a fresh start.

3. Time management skills

Going to community college forced me to have a part time job, otherwise I would have gone insane just sitting at home when I didn’t have classes. Balancing projects, papers, tests, and extracurricular activities on top of working throughout the week, forced me to manage my time better. I learned how to wake up early, seize the day, and get as much done as possible. For the record, I’m still not a morning person. All in all, I’ve learned how to get good grades, make good impressions, and always get the job done.

4. There's no rush to go away to school

Aside from gross cafeteria, living in dorms, frat boys, sorority sisters, and the occasional lit party – you’re not missing a whole lot by going to community college first. Community college has so much to offer, from clubs, internships, networking opportunities, and even sports, there's a lot to keep you occupied. And I promise all those other things (especially the gross cafeteria food) and more will be there waiting for you when you transfer. Take your time, grow up a little, and learn something about yourself. You’ll be happy that you waited

5. People change, and not everyone is meant to stay in your life

When some of my friends went away to school, some went to community college with me, and some didn't go to school at all. I realized just how much people change after graduating high school. I know some people maintain their high school friends even in college, but the reality is, everyone can't go with you, not everyone can stay in your life forever, and that's okay. There's a season for everything and everyone. The same person you grew up with may go away to school and become someone you've never met, but that's just part of the path that they took. You make new friends, and you keep the old ones that mean the most to you, but you can't fight against change, it's inevitable.

6. There's nothing cool about being dumb

I guess somewhere along the line it became "uncool," to be super smart or a "nerd," well I promise you, there's absolutely nothing cute or cool about being dumb. Don't go to school if you're just going to be barely getting by, and putting forth little to not effort. You're wasting your time, and the time of your professors. The "coolest," thing you can do is get good grades and do something with yourself. Plus you'd be surprised at how interesting some of the things taught in class can be, if you actually pay attention.

7. You have endless potential in life

Going into community college, I really underestimated myself. I had no idea what I was capable of because I never applied myself. Community college was the first time I felt like I could really be an adult and make my own decisions, and that empowered me. It empowered me to the point that I aimed to succeed in everything I did, in and out of the classroom. Thanks to some amazing teachers and advisers, I also realized how many possible career paths there are, and there's no excuse for not doing something with your life.

8. College is a fresh start

No matter who you were in high school, college is a chance for a new beginning. With new people and new surroundings, the possibilities are endless. You don't have to put yourself in a box. There are so many paths out there, all you have to do is take one. If you decide you don't like it, just turn around and start on a new path, the world is full of them.