Why Community College was the Right Choice for Me:
It’s cheaper.
My tuition for my community college was about $1,300 each semester, WAY cheaper than a university. Despite popular belief, there is not a big difference in the quality of education. If you’re not sure what you want to do or you just want to save money while you get your pre-reqs out of the way, community college is a great choice.
It’s much easier to have a job.
I worked at Sephora for almost two years and was able to save up a decent amount of money. Now I’m broke because it’s so hard to compete with the thousands of other college students looking for a job.
It gave me a chance to adjust to college.
I was able to ease into the workload and get my bearings so when I did move away I already knew how college worked and didn’t have to adjust to too many things at once.
It gave me the chance to mature.
I spent high school eating cereal every morning and if I had to feed myself, I was off to Subway. Living at home for two years, I was able to teach myself how to cook a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one. Basically, I learned what it means to take care of myself.
I was able to learn a skill.
My first year out of high school I attended a professional makeup academy. I learned beauty makeup and basic business skills.
It gave me perspective on class differences and taught me a lesson on privilege.
Community college was a choice I made, but for a lot of people seeking an education it’s their only choice. It made me aware of the advantages my parents were able to provide for me and the privileges I was born with.
Next time you hear someone judge community college, remind them how great it can be and then remind them to check their privilege.