There is a sad stigma that going to a community college means you are a “slacker." I thought this was true in high school because of what others were saying about community colleges. I remember my classmates saying how they would never go to a community college and would hate for our private school to associate themselves with our local community college. Although my high school guidance counselor never told me I couldn’t go to the community college, I knew that it wouldn’t look good for our school to send a student there (Which is completely false! My high school has proudly sent several students to the local community colleges). So, I did what everyone else did in my class: applied and got accepted to our “dream” 4-year college. I went to college 18 hours away from home and hated it. It was a big step for me to admit to myself that I wanted to transfer home to a community college. My parents were fine with it and I was happy to be back home.
Community college isn’t for slackers. I feel that the coursework is just as time-consuming and challenging as it is at a four-year college. Students are expected to turn in essays that are professionally written. Most presentations and speeches are expected to be memorized or use little references. Professors are willing to help students who need it, but also expect students to put the time in. Community college prepared me for not only a 4-year college but for the workforce.
I saved a lot of money by going to community college. After completing 4 semesters there, I transferred to another 4-year college (closer to home) when I was a junior. All 58 of my community credits transferred… at a much lower cost. I am only paying two years of a 4-year college, instead of four (with the exception of the one semester freshman year).
I loved my time at the local community college. I made a lot of friends and participated in several on-campus activities. We had multicultural fairs, health and wellness fairs, college fairs, comedy shows, and even an awesome dorm life if you didn’t want to commute. I am really glad that I chose to go to a community college. It changed my life and I saved a lot of money…. which I am now thanking myself for!
