Graduating high school is such an exciting time. Everyone is eager to flee their hometown and get away from their normal way of life. The summer after graduation consists of countless people bombarding you with questions like, "When do you leave?" and "What university are you attending in the fall?" For some, these questions make them want to bang their head against the wall and leave whatever party or event they are at. Having to say, "Oh I'm just staying home and going to community college" is so embarrassing, right? Wrong. Not everyone is always ready to go away their first year of college...I wasn't. Incoming freshman, please do not think that staying home is something to be ashamed of. Always remember that there are many positive qualities to staying home another year, or even two, before fleeing the nest to get an education. If you ever feel like an outcast or "lame" for staying home while others are away at universities, please remember these 5 things:
1. You save a ton of money.
Going away to a university is CRAZY expensive. If you can't pay it all out of pocket, or your parents are not helping you, you have to take out loans. Why take out loans and spend all that money if you are not truly ready and excited to go away? Plus, community college is way cheaper and you do not have to pay for living expenses and food...you have loving and willing parents to cook, clean, and pay for everything still, right?
2. You have time to get a job.
Not that when you go away to a university you can't get a job because you most certainly can and probably should. However, it is much easier to save up your money when you do not have other obligations and bills to pay. Work hard and save up so that when you are genuinely ready to go away, you can.
3. You still can experience college life.
Just because you do not attend a specific university does not mean you can't go up and visit every weekend, or even during the week. You slowly get the feel for being away, yet at the end of the three day visit you get to go back to your nice, big room and have a home-cooked meal. Visiting different schools is an excellent way to meet new people and create exciting friendships. It's also a lot of fun, especially during tailgate season.
4. You have more time to figure out exactly what you want.
Senior year of high school calls for you to make a dozen important life decisions for the next upcoming year: What do you want to do with your life? Where do you want to go? Who do you want to live with? It can all be very overwhelming, especially when all you want to do is enjoy your the last year together with all your friends before everything changes. Staying home another year is very beneficial in the aspect of gaining more time. You get the opportunity to visit colleges (more than just a campus tour) and get to experience the lifestyle each one displays. On the other hand, taking general classes at a community college may also help you figure out what major you want to study or career path to take.
5. Lastly, you get another year to spend with your close friends and family.
I know a great deal of teenagers can't wait to get away from their family after graduation. Please don't take this time for granted and preoccupy yourself with going away at the end of the summer. Enjoy the time you have with them because I promise you there will be times away at school that all you want is a nice night with your family or friends that you haven't seen in months. Staying home another year just makes you appreciate having quality family time that much more.
You should never feel rushed or forced to leave home. Some are extremely ready and excited after graduation, and others feel nervous and fearful. Another year or two at home is helpful in figuring yourself out as a person before being thrown into a university. Some days it may seem boring and lame, but in the overview of your college education, it is a helpful and wise decision.
