When I was in my first years of high school I never looked at a community college. I always associated that with the not so smart people. I did that because everyone else around me did too.. well most people. Now, I couldn't imagine my life without Kirkwood community college.

I go to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids and it has been the best decision I have ever made.

What makes it so great? Many reasons. 

1. I still get the college experience- I am not being robbed of my college experience. I sit in a classroom with other students, with a professor who is beyond knowledgeable, write papers, do homework, and face finals. It is all the same as a university or college.

2. I still get to be out on my own- Of course, there is the option of living at home and commuting but Kirkwood offers a step up from a dorm. Kirkwood offers apartments for the student housing. This is a little more real life than a dorm experience would ever provide. You have to pay bills, do your own laundry, cook, clean, and in the midst of it all find time for homework and a job. It sounds like a lot but I couldn't think of a better way to learn what adulthood is like. 

3. There are the same scholarship opportunities- Kirkwood gives out over $3 million in scholarships a year. That is A LOT of money for a community college. 

4. You get more 1 on 1 with professors- Community Colleges are normally smaller than other universities or colleges. This is an advantage, this means you get more one on one with your professor. You are able to feel more like a face rather than just a number. Every professor at Kirkwood was able to call me by name within the second week of the semester. It is a little thing but to me it means a lot.

5. There is still plenty of activities and/or clubs on campus- There is never really any excuse for being bored because there is always something going on throughout our campus. Whether that be a sports game, going to the rec center, going to see a musical or comedian act, intramurals, (YES COMMUNITY COLLEGES EVEN HAVE INTRAMURALS.. we even have rock paper scissors..), or playing bingo. There is never a dull moment and the best part is that all of this is FREE!! Don't see anything that sparks your interest there? That's fine.. we have OVER 80 clubs on campus. You are BOUND to find something you enjoy. I am a student ambassador.. I didn't really ever see myself filling a role like that, but I wouldn't change it for ANYTHING. 

6. It is affordable- Community college is easy on your wallet. You are not going to be stuck with years and years of debt to pay off. I would say at most you will have 2 years of debt IF that. But Kirkwood, like I said, gives out over $3 million in scholarships PER YEAR! That makes the cost that much more affordable, and rest assured the money that you do spend is WELL worth EVERY penny. 

7. The resources on campus are PHENOMENAL- Need a tutor? Need help with a paper? Need to print?Need a friend? WE HAVE ALL OF THAT AND IT IS FREE. Kirkwood has an AMAZING tutoring service with great students who excel at a course. Not only are you going to walk out of there with more knowledge but you are also walking out with a new friend. Our writing center is possibly my favorite part of Kirkwood. You go in with a written paper and a professor will be there to help you revise it and make it the best paper it can be. Best part? Once you spread your wings and leave Kirkwood you are STILL able to COME BACK and they will help you revise your paper. ONCE AN EAGLE ALWAYS AN EAGLE! There are multiple places on campus to print, you can go to the library or the computer lab. They always have SUPER flexible hours so it's never too late! If your looking for a friend on campus look to your right and left. BAM! New friends. Everyone on campus is always so friendly.. it amazes me. We also have the bomb Cafe. Not only do they have good food, they are also ALL so nice. Need help with technology? Scoot on over to EagleTech. One of only 3 authorized Apple Campus stores in Iowa. Yep, that's right we're a community college with an authorized Apple store.. is your university?

8. Want to study abroad?- No problem, Kirkwood offers 15 countries to study abroad in. There is just endless opportunities. 

9. Community College is a good transition school- Coming straight from high school to college can be overwhelming. But with Kirkwood it isn't. Here it feels just a little bigger than high school or maybe for some equivalent Classroom sizes average 21 students so that is similar to a high school sized class. 

10. You will still get to the same place as others- Afraid a community college will set you back? So was I. But the funny thing is is Kirkwood has pushed me forward. I have reached incredible places through Kirkwood. They have set me up for success.

I have never felt more at ease with a major decision in my life. I can't and won't stop bragging about how amazing Kirkwood Community College is. 

Kirkwood is home.