Senior year is an exciting and stressful time in a student’s life. Everyone is applying to different universities, and celebrating a huge milestone in their high school career. But then you hear the repetitive question: “What college are you going to next year?” Trust me… it’s annoying, especially when you absolutely don’t know where you want to go. When I was a senior in high school, I had so much built up anxiety and stress because I didn’t know where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. The majority of my peers were applying to these amazing schools, and I felt pressured to apply even though I wasn’t academically and mentally ready. The idea of going to a community college was up in the air, but it was my last resort. I thought that if I attended a community college, then I “failed” at life–however, I couldn’t be more wrong.
For some reason, there is a negative stigma about students attending community college, and I’ve heard majority of them: “You will fall behind,” “You won’t get hired by future employers,” “It’s hard to transfer,” “You will get a lower education.” All of these accusations are completely false and unconventional. You will NOT fall behind if you work hard enough. You WILL get hired by future employers because the majority of the time they really don’t care where you went to school. It’s NOT hard to transfer if you’re on top of your school work. Guess what…you’re getting the SAME education as compared to a four year university for a much cheaper price. The best decision I have ever made was attending a community college and I couldn’t be more proud of myself and what I have accomplished. You too can do the same!
So, dear high school seniors who are thinking about going to a community college, trust me when I say it’s not over yet. Do not let others tell you anything different because everyone is at their own pace. There is nothing wrong with staying home for an extra two years to really focus on what you want and where you really want to go. Here are some perks of going to a community college first. By going to a community college first, aside from the cost, if you’re undecided on a major you can work on your general education classes first. You can even have more schedule flexibility to work at the same time and save money to pay off your schooling before enterting a four year university. You’ll also have smaller classroom sizes, so you’re not overwhelmed with huge lectures your first year of classes. These are just a few of the dozens of other perks of attending a community college rather than jumping right into a four year university.
Marina, who is a Senior at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California stated, “I knew I wasn’t ready to attend a four year after high school, so I decided to go to a community college for two years and I am okay with it.” Another Senior at San Ramon Valley High School, Anna said, “I’m going to a community college because it saves money and I have the same opportunities as those going to a four year.” These are just a couple of statements from those who did exactly what you might encounter as you get closer to your first year of college.
After attending community college, I applied to the same schools I was rejected from and I got in! Now I attend University of California, San Diego studying Communications. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my counselors and professors at my community college. Remember, everything happens for a reason and you are where you’re meant to be.