Originally, I was headed off to a private college outside of Boston. During the summer following my senior year, I decided it just wasn't for me.
Although I had my plan set out in front of me, something just didn't seem right. The sound of college sounded fun, but the overbearing anxiety of it all took over. Not only was I going to be paying $50,000+ for one year of college, it just didn't seem like a good fit for me. As a girl with anxiety, the panic attacks ensued when I received my first bill for tuition.
In the long run, my biggest worry was debt. And since I was accepted into a private college, my tuition bills were very high. After making the decision to differ to community college, I watched as my bill went down drastically. I immediately sighed in relief, knowing that the amount of money I would soon have to pony up was much much lower now. (I'm sure my mom was ecstatic about my choice, too.)Now, I'm aware that money is a concern for many going off to college. Many wonder, "What if I change my mind after I graduate?" or, "How will I pay all of this debt off?" Community college is a great choice for those who still want a great education, without spending tens of thousands of dollars in one semester. When it really comes down to it, you're saving your own butt in the future. Who wants to have thousands of dollars worth of crippling debt? Education is education, no matter where you get it from. Just because you aren't paying top dollar for your college education, it doesn't mean you aren't getting a valid one.
This was something I never realized while applying to college. I thought the best and only way to get a proper college education was to go to a "regular" college. I didn't believe that going to a community college would give me a good education, and at my high school, it was considered "uncool". Contrary to popular belief, some of the best professors in the country teach at my community college. Many have even written their own textbooks, books, and contributed in newspaper writings.
Most students wonder how they will tell their parents, and worry about how they will react. What you have to remember is that it is YOUR choice, no one else's. In addition, you are making the best choice for you. Be truthful with them. Tell them why you are making that decision and have your plan mapped out. Do not make the big decision unless you have a backup plan.
Recently, more than a handful of my graduating class made the same choice as me. You aren't alone in making this decision, as hundreds of other students are going through the same thing. For some, the "traditional" college route is the way to go, but for others, like me, other options are available. Whether it's taking a gap year to save up money and work, or traveling the world and doing everything you love. The right option is out there for everyone. You just need to figure out what that is for yourself.
