When ‘the college experience’ comes to mind, chances are most people think about living in dorms at a university, party on the weekends and little no responsibilities. If you deviate from this notion are you really experiencing college?

Yes. Yes you are.

I spent two and a half years at a community college, and currently attend a small liberal arts school. I still live at home, commuting to school, and I have a (almost) full-time job, so binge drinking at parties doesn’t happen. I’ve received comments from family, friends, and strangers that I’m not doing college right and I’ll regret it when I’m older.

Honestly though, what is doing college right? Alcohol poisoning? Getting HPV? Communal showers with the bros?

My experience hasn't been typical but I do not regret my choices at all. Community college was a great decision; I saved money on classes, made tons of great contacts, and helped me find my career calling. Working while attending school has been a blessing even if it doesn’t feel like it. I have amazing time-management from juggling work and school, something that is going to be a life long skill.

It isn’t easy to complete assignments for five different classes while you work five days a week but it is doable. In the summer when I don’t have school but still work full-time, I find myself with so much free time from being able to schedule so well. Having spending money whenever is also pretty nice.

College is what you make of it. Living on campus at a four-year school works great for some people, but it isn’t for everyone. To say that is the only way to go about school is just wrong and ignorant.

Do as you please, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s your life, carve your own path.