Believe me when I say that I never wanted to go to community college and that I was upset when I was told it was my only option. In high school, I dreamed of going to a 4-year university (the University of Delaware to be exact) to move away from home and begin my college career in Neuroscience. When I was told that it was just too expensive without enough scholarships or financial aid, I was furious. I was mad that I had to stay in that small town any longer. I was mad that I couldn't get away from the people I saw every day in high school. I was mad that all of my plans were changed in a second. But honestly, attending my local community college was one of the best decisions I was ever forced into and I just want to say "thank you."

Thank you for being cost-effective.

I'm looking at you Kristie, in Honors 101 when you told us that we couldn't say the word "cheap" and that our college was "cost-effective." However, it's true. I walked out of community college without any debt whatsoever. This was a combination of the scholarships I received from the Hill Scholars Program as well as outside scholarships, and simply the affordability of the college. If I had gone to a 4-year-univeristy, I know I would be in debt. Well, at least more than I am now.

Thank you for providing me with leadership opportunities and experience.

My community college continued to hand me opportunities to get involved and hold leadership roles. In high school, I was heavily involved with clubs, honor societies, music, and dance, but at community college, I took on more leadership positions than I ever thought I would. I was the President of Student Government Organization, the President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Vice President of Communications for Campus Activities Board, a Student Ambassador, and I was heavily involved in service learning through the college and the community. I even had the opportunity to attend Student Advocacy Day as a college representative to speak directly to our counties delegates, as well as sit on the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council and have first-hand knowledge on what the state was doing in regards to higher education and communicate directly with our state's governor. I sat in Board of Trustees meetings, I was a member of the Student Activities Finance Board, I attended numerous official college meetings, and I felt as though I was truly informed about the behind-the-scenes of the college.

Thank you for helping me figure out my future.

I began college at a Neuroscience major, wanting to work with children with mental disorders. Now, I am a Hospitality Management major, hoping to manage award shows and music festivals. See the change? I bounced around at community college from science to communications and public relations and eventually made my way to hospitality. I still don't really know what I'm doing, but hey, it's a start!

Thank you for giving me some of my best friends.

When I say friends, I don't just mean the friends I talk to all the time or hang out with a lot. I mean, the professors that were always there, the faculty that I became close with over 2 years, the people that I saw every single day. Of course, the Hill Scholars program was a blessing to have a group of 20 people that had a majority of the same classes, and that we spent weekend retreats with. I met my current roommate, who has been with me through so much and I couldn't imagine living without. Besides the Hill Scholars, I met amazing people through clubs, organizations, and other classes that I am thankful for every day.