I Was a Community College Skeptic, Now I'm an Advocate

Community college was not my first choice...

Committing to Community College

Senior year of high school I was preparing myself for the classic college experience. You know, football games, crowded dorms, and late nights in the library. To me, community college meant missing out on those experiences. I can say confidently that I never expected myself to choose it over a 4-year university and yet, here we are.

First off, If you haven't read my About Me you may be a bit confused (also, go read it). I came out of high school after a rough admissions season and chose to attend a 4-year university that was practical but I wasn't in love with. After a semester there, I looked into community college and realized the benefits that it offered could not be passed up. I am now going into my sophomore year at community college and applying to my actual dream schools.

After this debacle was decided on and I was shipping myself and my stuff back to California, I was still so nervous for what community college could possibly have in store for me. There's (typically) a serious difference between the college experience earned at a 4-year university versus a community college and that heavily weighed in on my decision. All together, I really has no idea what I was getting myself into.

To be entirely honest, one semester is not enough for me to come on here and list every reason why community college was the best option. However, I can confirm that the more time I spend at community college, the more it has to offer me. Whether that be transfer programs, counselor guidance, or the free tuition (seriously, I can't just skip over that part) community college is purely there to support you in your journey.

The stigma surrounding community college is unearned and formed by those who don't care to look into what it has to offer. As someone who attended both a 4-year and a community college (in one year by the way), I understand the differences between the two and where each can fall short. Community college is different from many 4-year universities, plain and simple. But, a 4-year university couldn't give me the second chance to apply to my dream schools and the programs which will help boost my odds.

The thing about community college is that you get what you put into it. If you want the same social experience as a 4-year, look into clubs or start your own; if you want to parallel the academic rigor of a university, join your honors program; and if you want to earn the reassurance that you are in control of your academic journey, take the chance and bet on yourself with community college.

Let me know where you are in your college experience and if YOU have any advice for those considering community college themselves. :)

Lilly Hazard

Hazard on Campus

@lilly_hazard