You wake up each morning in the familiarity of your room, grab breakfast, laugh with your high school sister and high five your little brother as he heads out the door. You sign your child's field trip permission slip, then feed the family dog. You change out of your work clothes or leave them on to save time.
Elegantly, you stuff your bag with textbooks, pencils, pens, snacks, and your favorite planner. It's nearly time for class, so you book it to the car and head out - down your street, around the corner, past your favorite childhood park, five minutes from your family dentist, right into the parking lot of your school.
Semesters have gone by at the blink of an eye, university acceptances are arriving, job opportunities have emerged - you've made great connections with classmates and professors. I guess it's time to go! Before it all ends, here are some reasons to cherish your time left at community college (with GIFs from the classic TV show Community, naturally).
Your school's proximity to *everything* you hold dear.
Going to school close to home made it easy to take lunch breaks at home, visit your old high school, and be with family. Although it will be awesome to explore brand new places at university, you'll definitely miss the team at your local Target.
But did you really have to buy another casual long-sleeved dress from the clearance rack? I'm guilty of this.
The instructors that have stayed with you through thick and thin.
Professors at community college are particularly knowledgeable, caring, and understanding because of their experiences with students from every background. They are likely to problem solve with you if a family commitment keeps you from arriving to class on time. They are no doubt a listening ear as you share your unique dreams, hopes, and fears. They write one letter of recommendation after another, encouraging you to chase dreams that sometimes seem unattainable. You learn more than a course's content with these professors - you benefit from the study of their character.
SEE ALSO: A Thank You To The Professor Who Believed In Me
The people you meet and learn from through thoughtful, audacious, hilarious, and honest discussion.
As you know, classes at community college can consist of students from multiple generations. CC's often are home to everyone from gifted kids in middle school taking a summer Calculus class, to returning adults deciding to earn a new degree after supporting their children's education. Everyone is working, and taking a swim class, and participating in multiple clubs - but always find the time to panic in unison over missed Blackboard test deadlines.
Affordability!
If you're about to graduate, you know that community college has been a fantastic opportunity to save money while working towards a degree. We can all agree that it's been great to go to school without racking up debt! And the opportunities for scholarships during and after our time at school have created even more incredible possibilities for the future! After realizing that, with a lot of hard work and help from others, you were able to get through school almost for free:
Finally, cherish the creativity, excitement, and fun that has come with making memories and working hard while still being in your hometown.
As you finish your final semester at community college, make sure to be proud of all you've accomplished and all that is yet to come. When you get to your four year school or arrive at a new job, know that you have a valuable perspective on education and work ethic that will aid you wherever you go.
And when your high school friends are stressed about the future and ask what you think about community college?
