When looking at colleges in High School, you never look at anything but the big Universities and 4-year schools. Its mainly because that is what we are shown and pushed towards.

I originally was accepted and about three weeks away from paying my deposit to attend Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. Then I realized quickly that College is not cheap and if I wanted to attend school, I would have to take out so many loans because standardized testing isn't my strong suit and my ACT score didn't match my true academic ability.

I then started to pay attention to the three Community Colleges that were close enough for commuter travel. I was against going to a Community College, I was ready to leave my small town and never look back. Reality wouldn't allow me to leave and I had to accept that fact that this town would continue to be my home fro another few years.

I ended up choosing the Community College that I am currently going to, Enterprise State. They were the best option and followed everything to look for when choosing a smaller school to atoned. Because I chose a Community College I gained a new love for the CC education and learned that I belong here and this was a great start for me and can be for everyone else.

1. A CC is really just a big community that you should be apart of.

Enterprise State especially depends on each other. We all may have our bad days but we also have some great ones too. I love having the big volleyball out in the quad for students to play in between classes and the different things we host to bring more students together.

2. I was not prepared for College like I assumed High School had prepared me for.

In High School I was an honor roll student and made straight As my last year there. I was not an honor student because we still went off diploma types but I was reasonably a good student as far as grades were concerned. Once I got to college though I realized quickly just how much my school had prepared me, which was none. I never learned a proper way of note taking or a way of studying that will be best for a mainly lecture class. College is not all handouts and in thirty minutes the answers. I made a D on the first few tests in each class but thankfully I had an amazing professor who taught me how to take efficient notes pass classes. Who knew a English 101 teacher would be so useful to a math student?

3. You make new friends who might have the same major as you or are going to the same University as you.

My school offers two elementary math classes as pre-recs for the teaching program at the universities and I have made so many great friend through that class alone and will know quite a few people when I move on to a new school. I have also made other life long friends who may not have the same major as me but will be attending the same school.

4. The class sizes are smaller and you have more access to your professors.

All of my general studies classes are guaranteed to be either 32 students or less. I once had a class where there was literally 10 of us and I swear it was the best thing ever. With classes being so small, the teachers are able to learn your name, and are more available for one on one guidance. I'm a terrible English student and being able to easily make an appointment or go to her office during regular office hours, I definitely would've failed my papers I had to write. I also made some great relationships with teachers and I know that these teachers will always support me in my academic career and are always willing to write any teacher recommendation I may need.

5. Life changing organizations are found in 2 year schools.

Three words, one organization, the best opportunities ever. Phi Theta Kappa. This honor society is found only in two year schools and is one of the best things I could've been invited to. I grew as a person in this organization and it is a great thing that many honor students in colleges should take advantage of if there is a chapter at their school. PTK isn't the only thing you can get involved in on campus. My school has choir, the entertainers, scholars bowl, and so many other clubs and organizations that can take them so far in life without truly realizing it.

College isn't always for everyone. But when deciding on that big university, don't forget about the little colleges. They may just be the solution to your problems.