Give Community College a Chance

I went to community college for my first year of college. I felt a little down at first since I knew so many people from my high school were going straight to four-year universities, but I kept reminding myself that this was the right decision. I was still healing from bad anxiety during the last two years of high school, and I was not ready in any way to leave home and live on my own as I navigated my future career. I drove roughly 20 minutes to class 4-5 days a week, met some nice people in class, and would come home at the end of the day to see my parents and siblings. I felt comfortable and safe knowing I was making a smooth transition instead of being thrown into a major life change.

As I progressed through community college, I learned more about how the college system in California works and what credits I would need to transfer. I learned what a prerequisite and co-requisite was; how to login to applications for UC and CalState schools; understanding financial aid; and every bit and piece needed to know how to earn a bachelor's degree in-state. I gained confidence throughout the year knowing what I needed to do to be college-educated, and my professors were always available to answer any questions so I could do my best in these classes. By the end of the year, I had been accepted to the one school I applied to and was approved for financial aid a few months later.

By the time I began my sophomore year at my new school in San Diego, I felt more than ready for this transition. I knew how college worked, what was expected of me, and how to keep track of my financial aid each semester. I knew how to contact professors if I needed help, I knew how to write at the college-level, and luckily—my school was very small. Everything was close by and easy to find, and I didn't feel overwhelmed by stadium-sized lecture halls. Class sizes didn't exceed maybe 30 students; the campus was a mile long; and all my classes were usually in the same two buildings which stood side-by-side.

I knew what I needed in a university and where I belonged. I understood how I best thrived as a student and what my needs were to enjoy my college experience and earn a degree without feeling like I didn't belong. I made amazing friends; became a tutor in the school's writing center for roughly three years; wrote amazing essays that I worked my ass off to write; and found a passion for art history. I gained a confidence I didn't think I would ever gain, and I am forever grateful for my college experience.

That crucial year in community college set me up for success, as I know going straight to a four-year school would have been too stressful for me. I took my time, set my goals, and achieved them bit by bit. There is no shame in going to community college; it's affordable, practical, and helps you ease into the college experience. I had an amazing experience at my own, and I can't recommend this option enough. Even if you already have your degree(s), community colleges are excellent ways to learn a new skill or cultivate a hobby. Take a language class; learn about the human body; learn how to paint; take a intro class to computer science—it's an amazing resource for the community (hence the name).

Cultivate yourself and expand your education. As the saying goes, "You can never be overdressed, or overeducated."