So, I'm just going to put it out there, I'm going to community college right out of high school. No, it's not a "maybe" or a "I might", it is a big fat "I am", and I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone this. I feel that there are some heavy negative connotations that follow the words "community college" as though it is a curse word and I don't see why that is.
Many teachers have "warned" me about the problems I may face in community college and sort of make me feel as though I am doomed to be stuck there forever. I think if you're focused and take all the classes you need to complete your GED then you can be in and out of there in no time. The one thing that I think will really benefit me in my situation is that going to community college will save me a lot of money; all that saved money can go towards affording the university I transfer to.
I will admit, though, that I have had my moments of hesitation to tell someone my plans for after high school because I have had people subtly (yet, very obviously) judge me for how I have chosen to go about my future. Not everyone is the same, so not everyone is going to have the same plan for their future. This is a hard thing to accept especially when your friends really don't have the same plan as you. You become the odd man out in your own circle of friends. This, I can say from experience, makes you start to doubt yourself because some of your closest friends may even look down upon your decision to attend community college or to skip college all together and just start working. The one thing you have to keep in mind is that, this is your life and you can't let anyone -even your friends - decide your future for you.
So, if "community college" is a bad word then I have the biggest potty mouth around because I am proud of my decision on how to take the next step in my life and everyone else should be too. Whether you're going to Harvard, Long Beach Community College or starting work with your parent's business, be proud of that decision because you have made that big decision in life when there are others who are too afraid to even utter an idea of what they want to do. Having the courage to take that next step in life is something to take pride in, so take pride in whatever that decision is.
Well said, Ally. I agree that many adults have negative outlooks at community colleges. I think going to a community college is a smart choice. I do know that it is possible to get stuck at a city college, however, you have the determination and work habits to complete two years and then transfer. My original plan for the future was to attend a community college, but I really want to get out of the house therefore I am applying at universities!
ReplyDeleteBefore I looked to see who wrote this, I already had this definite feeling that it was you. Maybe from your tone of voice or maybe I have just known you for so long I can recognize your personality even through writing. Also, I agree with you. There are many reasons you and many other people out there choose the community college route and there is nothing wrong with that! Regardless of the steps you take after high school, it should be done for you and no one else. Who cares what they have to say about the way you find your success! You go girl
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, you are a great writer! Secondly, I completely agree that community college is a viable option, and that it can save a massive amount of money. Currently, I am working on applying to universities, but i know that doing two years at a community college and then transferring is another option to consider. I think that if anyone has even the slightest idea of going to a university, that they should first apply and then consider community college so as to maximize his or her possible options. That being said, if you have your mind set on community, then I say go for it because it really has no negative impact on the degree that is earned. After transferring and graduating from a university, one who attended a community college for two years will receive the same degree as someone who attended a university for four years. I wish you the best of luck completing your GED and transferring.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that this post made me feel so much better because I thought I was the only one who thinks about these things, so thank you! After weeks of contemplating on what to do and where to go after high school, I have realized that community college is the best choice for me because I want to save as much money as I can. However, I was also a little hesitant about this choice because of how our society, community, family, and friends sees it now a days. It really is sad that most people view it as something negative. I've even heard someone say that it is "for people who can't get into a four year college." Pretty ignorant thing to say right? These negative comments did affect me for a while but I recognized that there are many advantages to going to a community college. And thanks to you, I will now learn to take pride in my choices :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like people who look down on those who go to community college and then transfer are ignorant as to what community college is. I have to admit when I was younger I thought community college was for people who weren't smart. It's funny to know that I used to think that since now I am definitely going to community college. I now know that it may actually be smarter to go to community college because of how much money you can save. Once I even told someone I was going to community college and she told me that was fine, but she must have forgotten what I said because a little bit later she started talking about how lame it is to transfer from community to a 4-year. I am not ashamed though to say that I am going to community college because I know that it isn't for people that are stupid.
ReplyDeleteI love this so much because I feel like everyone looks down on people who want to go to a community college. They may think that just because they go to a community college they aren't as smart or they can't get in to universities. I don't believe that is true at all, people could want to go to a community for various reasons. You shouldn't judge someone for what college they want to attend and you shouldn't be ashamed of telling people where you want to go. I too will probably end up going to a community college to get my general Ed done and to save money.
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