First and foremost, congratulations on graduating! I know it's hard to believe that you are no longer the big fish in the small pond, but now a big fish in the slightly, more terrifyingly large lake next door before being thrust into the Pacific filled with underwater volcanoes, sharks, sting rays, and other things that like to hide in the pit filled, pitch dark ocean with creepy eyes and glowing luminescent head lanterns that put a very nice glow on their very sharp teeth only four years later. But that's a whole other story. As a high school senior about to head off to college, you're given advice left and right. Some of them asked for, others not so much. But you take it anyway and thank them, while moving away so you don't have to hear about that one college party Aunt Mureille has been reminiscing about since you were five... good times.Then, you weed out what is and isn't right for you, because lets face facts: not all the advice you get is fit for you. But thanks, Uncle Lou, I'll make sure to keep my Wanda away from their Cosmo... or was it the other way around? Anyway you're going to get a lot of information, and if some of your teachers are nice, they'll suggest starting college at Community- for financial reasons or other reasons like that 2.7 GPA you want to raise. Maybe, you take their advice (your teachers, not Crazy Cousin Casey's. You do not need those scars to be cool) and you end up applying and getting accepted to Community. You may even have your classes all ready to go with orientation day set. You are looking up and ready to fly. But before you take that 'I'm totally an adult now, air out and strut down Campus Lane, Here are some things those teachers never told you (or did, and you weren't paying attention)

1. You can pay for community college without accruing the debt of student loans.

Yes, it's going to be hard and yes, your summer fun will suffer and yes, you will have to work your rear-end off, but it's totally worth it. The average student in community college by the time they come out will be roughly $11,425 in debt because of student loans. Thank you FAFSA. That's not to say don't take out student loans if necessary. it's just to say, if you can, work that money off now instead of later. You don't need $11,425 added to the already $33,000+ (on average) debt you'll get from transferring to a "real" college. A summer job that pays minimum wage will pay for fall semester. If you continue working for minimum wage throughout the semester or during Winter Break, you can pay for your spring semester as well. If working isn't an option, try scholarships. Apply to as many as possible so your line of acceptance is greater. Grants are being granted to freshmen as well, but unless you have done something outstanding (like juggle a job, more than one club, volunteer work, and maintain a 4.0 GPA while building a business or a rocket) you're not as likely to get a grant from the get-go.

2. Community is hard.

Despite what people may tell you, if you are seriously pursuing a major or certain career, community is tough on you. The professors (professors, not teachers . They took the extra time and spent the extra dough to get that title; respect that) do not play around. They, like other "real" college professors, will not baby you. They will not give you any credit you didn't earn, no matter how much you cry and they do not care whether you pass or fail if you don't. They will fail you, and they will kick you out of their program if you are not serious. They will, however, help you out as much as possible as long as you try your best and ask for that help. Otherwise, good luck. Beyond the professors, the work in itself is hard. This isn't high school anymore. This isn't "just another high school with more free time" Being any student is a full time job and when you don't respect that you are the ones who suffer. The teachers still get paid no matter what grade you get. In fact, many community graduates and transfers have noted the significant differences between community and other universities and non-community colleges. Community curricula (especially Suffolk County, LI, NY) are notably much more difficult than any other college/ university. They are not the hardest, but many are on par with The Non-Ivy League Schools that are in real competition with Ivy Leagues. Don't take Community as a joke, it's not. Take it as seriously as you would any other college or university.

3. Psst! Community allows you to intern without being a junior!

Many community colleges do allow you to intern, even as a freshman. More and more universities and colleges are restricting students from interning until their Junior year, and some only until Senior year. Community, while they do suggest you wait until your third semester at least, do allow students to intern as they learn. Some communities even have internship programs within their courses that double as an actual class. Some internships do require a few required courses to be completed first so be sure to talk to your adviser before trying to register for an internship.

4. Have a relationship with your major department's head.

At some point, you are going to have a class with your major department head. Do not do anything to make them hate you. Do everything possible to make them respect, if not like you without looking like a kiss up because no one likes a kiss up. That department head person can make or break your college career. Do your best work in all your classes, but especially that particular class. Show the head that you know what you're doing, willing to work to be better and can take criticism well. Let them know your best qualities and be respectful. All your professors know each other if you're nasty to one, they will all know. Show respect even if you feel they don't deserve it. They don't care whether you think they do or don't, it's what you put forward that makes the difference. Be courteous, be kind, be respectful (in case you didn't get that) and try to develop some sort of relationship with your professors. Say good (time of day) or hello. Answer questions, participate in class and if for any reason you are struggling, talk to them. Sure some will say maybe you're just not cut out for the course and line of work, but more will try their best to help you if they know you're trying. The best thing that you can do is try and that makes all the difference. You make yourself memorable and you get more opportunities than you could ever imagine.

Community College isn't a walk in the park. You will be challenged and if you do your best, you will survive. You will make it and you may even get a supervisor you respect from the bottom of your heart even if you don't like them. Make as many professional friends as possible, network, and build relationships with all your teachers. Take it seriously, take your time, apply for scholarships before each semester, after each semester and during every semester and as the Darling Princess herself has said, "Work, work, work work work."