No matter what anyone tells you, life is one big contest. There will always be people trying to jump in front of you, compete with you, and even belittle you. College is probably the peak of people's elitist attitudes, especially when you tell someone you're going to community college. As someone who has attended three colleges, I'm here to tell you what community college is not.

1. The "Thirteenth Grade"

Community college is nothing like high school. You do not have the same classes with the same people. There is a pretty good chance you will not know the majority of people in your classes. Also, there is a different level of maturity. Your classmates are there to learn, and most likely paying for it independently. When someone is paying for their own education, generally, they are taking it more seriously.

2. Community College is easy.

Wrong! Yes, most community colleges have a 100% acceptance rate, and often do not require SAT/ACT scores; however, that has nothing to do with the curriculum. As I mentioned, I attended three colleges, community college being my second. Here's what your guidance counselor did not tell you: English Comp at a community college is no different than English comp at a four year school. I actually learned a lot more during a semester of community college than a semester at a private, four year liberal arts school.

3. You don't "Know what you're doing yet".

For some people, this is the case, but for others it is the exact opposite. Some people know EXACTLY what they want to do, but understand that they will need a masters degree or a PHD. These people know that they will need a lot of schooling, and do not want to accumulate debt.

4. You "slacked off" in high school.

Attending a community college does not mean you got bad grades in high school. Some people prefer to live at home their first two years for many reasons, such as finances, comfort, and over all familiarity. As I said before, do not let the acceptance rate fool you, community college is not easy and should be taken seriously.

5. "You can't afford a four year university."

Realistically, you can go anywhere you want, if you can get in. There are plenty of payment plans, scholarships, and grants you can apply for. One should not instantly assume a person can't afford to go to a four year school, because they attend a community college. Student loan debt is becoming a real problem, and community college is a great solution.

6. Only for people that want a two-year degree.

Sure, most community colleges offer two year programs, and different certificates; however, that does not mean that people who attend community college only go to get two-year degrees. Most community colleges have transfer agreements with four year universities. Meaning, you take your general education classes, and transfer to a four year school your junior year.

I hope reading this article changes any negative thoughts you have about community colleges. Life is one big contest, but it really shouldn't be. As adolescents, we tend to be a bit self-centered. Part of being self-centered, is being ungodly selfish, we tend to forget, it is not our parent's obligation to pay our college tuition. Although you may be envious of friends living in dorms, and "having the time of their lives" at a four year school, just remember it is not all it is cracked up to be. To anyone attending a community college: remember, at the end of these four years, your degree is no different than anyone else's. To those of you who have a tendency to say: "You're just going to ___community college" to someone, think twice.