The big question on most people's mind as seniors in high school is what college should I go to? Of course, there are a number of options, but one of the most common places students go is community college. Now, I will be the first person to advocate for going to community college first. The price is a lot cheaper, there is not as much stress as going to a big university, and there is much more time to figure out what you want to do. But, there is a pressing issue with community college. It is what I call, getting comfortable.

It is very easy to get comfortable with being at community college. Many people end up getting a job that pays real money and stay at their parents house while not having very many bills to pay. For the first time in their lives they have freedom, money, and time. It is hard to think about trading that for a big university that will take most of that away. This is the hole that many fall into and it is very hard to get out of. If I wasn't so motivated to move on with my education I would be in the same hole.

Getting comfortable is ultimately detrimental to someone's academic goals. Someone who had goals of getting their bachelor's degree, is now spending years upon years at community college with a non-degree job. They get so comfortable that they do not have that desire or drive to transfer to a university.

Hope is not lost, though. There are many ways to keep yourself on track to transfer after a few years at community college. One of the most important things I would stress is to not take a semester off and to have at least nine units. Constantly having school work and classes keeps you so busy with school that you never know what it feels like to not have school work to do. It may be a little more stressful, but it pays off when you are on your way to getting a bachelor's degree. Another thing is to take classes that count towards general education. Taking four art classes does not get you anywhere, but better at art. You can have a fun class each semester but they should not be your whole semester. The last thing I would recommend is to keep on track with a counselor, the more you talk about your education the more you will get excited about your degree.

I do realize that college is not for everyone, and that there are many different paths to take in life. But I see too many people who had high potential going into community college then getting comfortable. Before you know it they have been there for a long time. I encourage all of you to put your education first, and to not get too comfortable.