Two years ago, I was a scared college freshman on my first day of class. I didn't know anyone in any of my classes, I didn't know the campus. My parents didn't go to college, and I don't have any siblings, so I didn't really know what I was doing. I was scared.

Less than a week later, I began working on campus, which really changed the experience for me. I assisted students with registration, and I later became an orientation leader, campus tour guide, peer mentor, and I worked in several offices around campus. Over the course of my two years at the community college, I worked with so many amazing and inspiring people. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

When I went to orientation for the university that I transferred to, I asked how to become an orientation leader and I was later connected with who I needed to get in contact with. I now work for the office that is in charge of the orientations. I began working on campus at the university a few weeks before classes began, and I'm glad that I did because I definitely felt less overwhelmed, especially having met some of my peers already.

The night before classes started, I began to overthink and worry, which was to be expected. I mean, who wouldn't be nervous about starting at a new school? It was like I was the scared college freshman again, but instead, I was a junior. A transfer student. It's not like I hadn't done this college thing before, obviously. I just hadn't been to a school that big before. Plus, I'm sure everyone has those first day of school jitters.

I actually worked for an hour before my first class, so that made it a little bit better. I also managed to find the Starbucks on campus. I'll admit, I was still nervous that morning, but once I saw someone I knew, I felt a million times better. I saw so many familiar faces,

I loved all of my classes, and I actually like going for two days a week instead of three. When I went to the community college, I always did MWF classes, but now I only do MW. Even though the classes are longer, it seems like I have a lot more time before my assignments are due.

I have found several clubs I would like to be apart of while going to school as well, since I did not join clubs when I went to community college. I just went to class and went to work, then went home. I want to do things differently while going to this school because there are so many opportunities and so many clubs that fit my interests and my major. I'm even considering joining a sorority, which is something I never thought I would hear myself say. There are so many opportunities for me here, and I can't wait to take advantage of them.

I think that going to a community college first, and then transferring is a really, really smart thing to do in many ways. You pretty much are taking the same general education classes, just cheaper. A lot of universities in my state offer really good scholarships for transfer students and students with an associate's degree. Most community colleges are smaller than your average four-year university, so you feel like more than just a number and are able to make those connections with professors and staff who can help you with your career and your goals. It's also a really good starting point if you are busy and working full time, or if you have kids. A lot of people look down on community colleges, but I never understood why. I had an amazing experience at the community college I went to, and I can't say enough good things about it.