I feel like community college has a stigma of being where the people who are not smart enough to go to college go. Community college is often referred to as a junior college, which has a sort of negative connotation attached to it. However, I could have gone to a four-year school right away, but I chose not to. It was the best decision for me. Why?

1. It was cheaper.

This is probably one of the best-known reasons why people choose to go to community college. And it’s the truth. Community college saved me two years of debt. All I had to pay for were my classes and books. I saved so much money by choosing to go to community college and getting a fairly good quality education.

2. I wasn’t sure of my major

Late in my senior year of high school, I changed my mind about what I wanted to major in. The best choice was for me to go to community college so I could take classes to figure out what I wanted to do. If I had gone to a four-year school right away, I would have felt pressured into picking a major, even if I wasn’t happy with it. Going to community college relieved me of some of that pressure, and I was able to take classes that I wanted to take.

3. I could live at home.

This could go along with saving money, but living at home did save me money. I addition, living at home gave me to flexibility to start leaving the nest gradually. I could stay in the comfort of my home while beginning to branch out on my own.

4. I wasn’t ready to go away at 18.

Honestly, I was 18. I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do. And I knew that I needed more time to mature and grow. Going to community college allowed me to do this, and by the time I did go away, I knew that I had gained that maturity and growth that I needed in order to leave.

5. I was able to grow in my faith.

At my community college, there was a Christian fellowship club that met on the campus. I had been a part of my own Christian bubble for so long, and going to this club exposed me to different beliefs and views. I was able to start figuring out what I truly believed in and started to grow more. Although community college was just the first step in this growth, it was a good stepping stone for me.

6. I made good friends.

There can be a stigma that you don’t make friends when you go to community college. However, this is not necessarily true. I was able to meet some really good people and make some really good friends, a few of whom I am still in touch with. One of those friends became my boyfriend. Another friend I still get coffee with when I’m on my breaks. These friends that I made were a good influence on me and helped me to start coming out of my comfort zone.

7. I got to experience smaller class sizes.

Going to community college allowed me the opportunity to experience smaller class sizes. The largest class size I was ever in was about 40 people. This allowed for a more intimate setting in which to learn, and I was able to be more engaged in learning. Even though I transferred to a school that has small class sizes, it was still nice to be able to experience that feeling at community college.

8. I got to be exposed to all different types of people.

It's right there in the name: community college. I was no longer in my own little bubble where I was safe. I was exposed to people that I have never been exposed to before. I was exposed to different views and opinions. I was able to get a taste of the world that I had never known before. Although it wasn't my cup of tea, it helped in my growing experience.

9. It prepared me for a four-year school.

I was able to get all of my general classes out of the way. All of them transferred to my new school. I was able to decide on a major that I was happy with. I was able to grow and mature. When it came time, I was ready to go away. I was prepared to go away. Going to community college was the best decision for me.

I realize that community college is not for everyone. However, it was the best decision for me and it prepared me in so many ways for a four-year school. I don't regret my decision and I wouldn't change a thing.