I grew up in a town where the large majority of each graduating class goes off to 4-year schools. So going to my local community college was a bit out of the norm but I did my research. I am here to tell you about my time in making this decision and how it has turned out. Hopefully my experience will assist anyone who is trying to make a decision about college and what is right for them.

PROS:

1. It is extremely cost effective! Community colleges charge a fraction of the price that 4 year schools charge. In today's economy and job market, paired with the increasing importance of having a college degree in the working world, one must be very aware that college debt is a very real thing and can impair your kick-off into the real world post-college. Attending a community college can greatly reduce your debt as you move forward into your next two years of school, graduate school and employment.

2. You are home. I know many of my friends who are living at school miss many things about being home. Home cooked food, their whole wardrobe, their own bed and room and although not all want to admit it, they miss their family. I never had to leave any of these things!

3. Being your own roommate in your own room. Although there are now roommate pairing services through schools and many people like their roommates, I know several people who have had issues with theirs. And even for those who get along with their roommates swimmingly, I am positive that there are times that they wish they were alone. Why deal with any of that if you don't have to?

4. There are many less distractions. I know that being away at school would be very distracting for me. New people, new places, parties, constant activities and movement. I would never get any work done! It is nice to be able to come home in between classes for a few hours and study in my room in peace and quiet.

5. My car. If those who are reading this were lucky enough to have a car before they left for school, I know that you miss it. You may not miss having to pay for gas, but hey, I know you miss just being able to get in your car and drive down the open road and listen to music. Several of my friends who came home for fall break said that getting in their car and just driving was one of the first things they did when they arrived at home. Staying home meant I never had to separate from my little Subaru.

6. You can always go and visit your friends. Although being at home you are often missing out on some crazy college weekends, it doesn't have to be that way! You can always go drive or take a train to visit friends near by for a weekend at a low cost. You can experience the fun weekends of college that you may be missing out on, but then you still get to come home to your own cozy bed at the end of it.

CONS:

1. Not getting the true "college experience." Although the term "college experience" should be used loosely, since I am also creating my own college experience, I am missing out on going away to school. There is something to be said about leaving home and living out on your own with many other millennials. Although sometimes, as I have mentioned above, it can be trying, it can also be the best time of your life.

2. There is definitely a different vibe on my community college campus. Since I haven't fully attended a 4 year school, I can't say for sure, but there is a different feel at my school. Even going to visit college campuses on tours, I got a friendly, happy and homey vibe from everyone. At my school, no one really talks to each other unless they have to. They are in and out of class, driving to and from campus throughout the day, just going along with their business. It is probably because we aren't spending that much time together, in comparison to students who are living every day with one another. But it is a little disappointing that I haven't made a real friend yet. Hopefully that will change as I find my place in the college.

3. Less activities on campus. I get the occasional email detailing what activities are coming up on campus soon, but not much happens. There is no a cappella group like in Pitch Perfect, a small number of clubs, and sports teams that it seems no one really knows about. Since I haven't been a student for that long, I cannot say that there is never anything fun going on, as I just haven't gotten a chance to explore much yet. But I can say for sure that there is less going on, even though the number of students attending out number those at many other colleges.

4. School pride is virtually nonexistent. Most people are going to community college to either complete an unfinished degree later in life or to build up credits to transfer somewhere else. As you walk around campus, very few people are walking around with sweatshirts detailing the schools letters. Most students aren't exactly telling people that their hearts will always belong to their school and they are proud to be student at such a great institution. Now don't get me wrong, I think my community college is great, but it doesn't light up that school spirit in people. Most see it as a stepping stone towards their next endeavor.

5. You are home. I gave being home as an example of a pro earlier in this article, but there are definitely two sides to that. I am lucky to have parents who understand that I am in college now, not in high school and treat me much like an adult. But I know many others who wouldn't have the same experience staying home with their parents. And I also totally understand that getting away from home is half of why many high schoolers want to go away to college. Even though my parents are understanding of my position as a college student in their childhood home, there are still some times when they are a bit protective over me. I know it's just because they love me, but it is a protectiveness that I wouldn't be experiencing if I was away at school.

All things considered, I am happy that I am attending the school that I am. I see it as an investment in my future self and I think that I will look back in 5 to 10 years and be proud that I made this decision. It is a tough decision to come to terms with; especially when it is not the path that most of your friends will be taking. But I just have to look to my future and let that motivate me to keep going at the pace that I am, and hopefully, my dreams will be achieved in no time.