Community college. What comes to your mind when you hear those two words? Before I knew much about it, I used to be very unexcited and used to think that only unsuccessful people go there. Never did I think I would end up coming here. I knew that if I did, I would be ashamed of myself.

University. What comes to your mind when you hear this word? I thought, successful people get to go there and "live life." Sororities, yay! Away from parents, finally! Adult-ing, fun! I thought, I would get to easily pursue my dream and make so many friends at the same time.

Well I went through bumpy roads so my grades weren't so swell. I am first generation so I never really informed myself much about it. When I ended up going to community college, I was embarrassed to even tell people that I went there. I always had to add, "but I am transferring soon," or "I am undecided." Anyone I told, they would always tell me that, that is not bad at all! I always thought, "easy for you to say lady, you are not going there so."

My first year, I always just went straight to class and straight home. I even speed walked because I didn't want to be there. I worked so much because I was bored. Almost all my friends went to universities and the people I barely talked to ended up going to college with me, great. I was very negative, I didn't really want to talk to anyone. I also realized that others did the same thing too. I just made it a boring year for myself, kind of ended up even more depressed than I already was.

Then came second year, my thoughts about community college compared to last year's, were so different this time. Not sure what changed my way of thinking but I definitely did mature about it. I think the Odyssey also helped me think differently last semester and mature more because I was able to pour my heart out and have amazing writers support me. It was too bad that it is online.

Anyways, I wanted to make friends because why feel/be alone when I can talk to new people? I just became very talkative at the end of last semester and over the summer that I wasn't afraid. Who knew that once you got out of your shell, you would be much more social and happier.

I wanted to join clubs, I needed to. Then my friend texted me one day saying, "Hey! If you have nothing to do on Tuesdays then you should do student activities board." I was thinking that maybe it might be interesting especially since she was in it.

I enjoyed it for a while but then it was not very fun because the leaders were pretty strict, I mean the whole point was to have fun, so. Although, I must say that I did make new friends and we still talk which makes me happy and feel more confident.

Then I remembered that I liked to dance, of course dance! How could I forget? Since I was less shy and feeling risky, I decided to shoot and e-mail to the advisor. She was very nice about it, telling me to come try out the class and see if I like it or want to join the team.

I was very nervous and I even bought new shoes for dance and leotard. It was too late to back out since it was final sale. I went that Friday to try out the class. I walked into the hallway of the building and saw the girls stretching outside the dance room. I got nauseous. I was looking at them and thought, "nope, I do not fit in here." They just stared at me because I was new. I was shaking with fear. I couldn't even introduce myself.

Man I was out of shape also that I could not even keep up with the class during our warm up. I was just living hell.

But I was like, "No no no, you are not giving up this time." Surprisingly I kept showing up and learning the routine, I was still very nervous but I started to talk more and break out of another shell.

I kept going and going every Friday to class even if I was afraid. I have gotten to know the girls better too, they are very nice.

As of now, we are so close and I am so glad to have joined because I would of regretted it. Most of all I was happy to do something I was afraid to do for the first time, especially when performing in basketball games.

I have made a family this semester so far and I am so happy about it. I am kind of surprised that I goof around a lot, turns out I am much more funnier than I thought and they love it.

I am glad that I can express myself through movement without being judged.

I cannot believe how ashamed I was of going to community college, makes me feels stupid. It is actually much more amazing than an actual university because one, we save money, two we bond more since we are taking general education classes, and three because there are people who are actually looking for friends as well.

I don't see why some people complain about school. I don't see anymore why people need to get out as soon as possible, it just doesn't make sense anymore.

These two years are very precious and people are just wasting them being bitter. These two years determine our future as well.

These two years do make history.

These two years are much more better than going straight into four debt-ful years.

These two years can make you feel good about yourself, they can help you redeem yourself and gain what you didn't get to do/have in high school.

These two years shouldn't be taken for granted.