For every high school student worrying about college, it can be stressful. Once senior year arrives, we really have to start making our own decisions. We all have one thing in common: asking ourselves so many questions. These questions always go along the lines as followed: Where should I go? Will I get accepted into my top schools? Should I stay in-state or venture elsewhere? What schools are affordable? Along with so many more.
It seems as though that people who are faced with all of these questions are confused on where they want to attend and what they want to do for a career. So how are we supposed to make a decision on a school that calls for a great amount of commitment when sometimes, we just really don't know?
In high school, whenever the words "community college" came up, people always looked at it negatively. You constantly heard that if someone was going to a community college it was because they were not smart enough to get into a university or they didn’t try hard enough in school. That's not the case at all. People go to community colleges for so many different reasons that some people may not even realize. People shouldn’t have to be afraid to admit that they are going to a community college because it is still school and they are there for their own reasons.
I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to attend a community college.Take it from me, someone who tried out a 4-year university and decided it wasn't for me so I came home to go to community college instead. It was my freshmen year and just like everyone else, I was as nervous as ever to be away from home for the first time, to live on my own, to take on the dorm life, and so many other things that come along with it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my roommate and she made it a good experience for me. She helped me to be more comfortable. I just still had that feeling that something was missing and that I didn’t feel like I was at, what people like to say, my "second home." I knew I had to make my own decisions and do what I thought was best for me at the time, and that was to come home. I didn’t want to give up on school because I still wanted to be successful and be on the right track, but I knew then that it wasn’t at a 4-year university.
I was worried to tell people that I was going to be attending a community college because so many people had drilled in my head that it was something to not be proud of. I came to the realization that I just shouldn't care. It’s my own education and career and I get to chose where I want to go and who I want to be. I explained to people that I chose this route because I wanted to save money and I felt that I wasn’t ready to be on my own yet. I didn’t make connections that most people do when they arrive at their university. Making friends isn’t easy for everyone and it was especially hard for me. It was difficult for me seeing everyone else seem so happy at the school of their choice when I wasn’t. I didn’t have any friends, I wasn’t in a sorority (which most girls are and that’s how they make connections), I didn’t like the place I was at, and more. I found myself finding more bad things than good. Then I thought to myself, why don’t I just attend a community college?
I saw it as me taking care of myself. I get to save money this way which is nice because in college that's all students want, is to save save save. I didn’t have to worry about living in a small dorm with another person anymore, I can have my own space. If I was unsure about my career choice, I could do my generals this way without a worry. It had seemed to me that things were more simple this way. I now get to take my time on my decisions. I can now think a little longer about where I would like to attend after I get my Associate's degree. I feel like I am able to see things more clearly this way.
So the next time you hear someone say they want to go to a community college or that they are thinking of transferring, just remember that it isn’t as bad as it seems, and I think more people should consider that.
