Immediately after graduating from high school, I wondered if my decision to attend my community college, The Ohio State University at Mansfield, was the right choice. Most of my friends were leaving for universities around and out of the state, and I was the person who stayed behind to continue living with my parents. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I felt as if I wasn't as smart as my friends, and I felt left out because of the adventures that they were all experiencing.
Throughout my freshman year of college, I kept thinking about how great it would be to finally move out. Although I was having fun with the friends I'd made, I couldn't wait to move to the main campus for OSU, to be on my own, and to find my own new adventures. I just wanted freedom.
When the next year rolled around, I was more than thrilled as I packed up my car to move to Columbus, Ohio. I was going to meet my three new roommates and start an entirely new life in a busy city. Life was great.
Weeks went by, and while I loved being on my own, I realized that University Life isn't that different from life at a community college. Aside from living on my own (and paying thousands of dollars to do so), I still spent hours a day going to class and studying. I had to pay hundreds of dollars to keep my car on campus, and if I wanted food, I had to walk for twenty minutes in order to get it.
The biggest difference between University Life and life at a community college is the money that you spend. Sure, universities might offer 'more opportunities', but you can create your own opportunities wherever you're at. If there's a club that you want to join, but your community college doesn't have it, create the club on your own and find people to join it! If you find a way to work hard and have fun while doing it, you'll be successful no matter where you are.
All in all, there's nothing to be ashamed about when going to community college, but there's also nothing to be ashamed about when going to a university. Each school fits the needs of different students, so you just need to find the school that fits you best. I love The Ohio State University with everything in me. I'm glad that I went to the Mansfield branch because I was able to save money, but I'm also glad that I went to the main campus. It taught me the importance of managing my own money and my own time, and it showed me that I don't need a bigger city away from home in order to find adventure. I can find it anywhere as long as I'm willing to look for it.
