How I Dismantled My Community College Stigmas

 Picture this: it is your senior year of high-school and you have just committed to your dream university. You’re splurging on school gear, posting your exciting news all over social media, and joining TOO many group chats for your school’s incoming freshman. Fast forward to about 3 months into your college experience, and all of your excitement for the school is gone. Making friends is harder than you thought, your major is not necessarily speaking to you, and you are very homesick. ​But what do you do?

You rough it out. You make yourself struggle through it because you hyped up this school so much you do not want to disappoint anyone around you. You complete your freshman year with grades below average and go home for the summer. Unmotivated to return back in the fall. The don’t give up’s and it’ll get better’s from family and friends are more discouraging than inspiring. You then get a wild idea: community college.

This is my story. Prior to making the decision to stay home and attend community college, I had criticized those that did. I thought that this meant that these people were not as smart or did not have the resources to attend a prominent university. However, all of this changed when I was actually in the position to make the decision to go. It was not difficult for me to let go of the stigmas I had conjured up about community college. Going to community college was what my life required at that time. Being at home, saving money, and realigning my goals was a necessary thing for me to do.

I came to the realization that everyone has their own path and story. Life does not always go according to plan. Things happen, minds change, goals and ideas morph into new ones. In addition, community college should not be something that is frowned upon or belittled. Not only do they offer many resources to help students get onto their intended path successfully, but they are more beneficial to the lives of students than they are hurtful. Some people need to just ease into college after high school, myself included, and community college provides that opportunity. If I could go back in time, I would have stayed home initially and then transferred to a four-year school. ​

​However, I am more than proud of the position I am in now. I am proud to have found a community that has done nothing but uplift and encourage me through this time in my life.

Photo by Oluwakemi Solaja on Unsplash

This is something that I lacked when I went away for college for freshman year. Community college has been nothing short of a blessing to my life. So much so that I will be graduating with an Associate in Arts degree next month. I will then continue the next chapter of my life at a four-year university—stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever before.

To those currently in community college and discouraged about their situation, don’t be. Everything happens for a reason. Picture yourself having a strong foundation in the next step of your education due to your community college experience. 
And to those on the fence about attending a community college because of how it might be viewed:
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1. Remember to make the best decision for you.
2. If being criticized is your main concern, prove critics wrong by getting involved on your community college campus.
3. Surround yourself with students who have substantial goals. 
4. Take advantage of all of the resources community college has to offer. 

Your story is your story. Take pride in your journey, whichever route it may take.

grad photo: Pixabay via pexels.com

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Written By Maia Wells

​I am 19 years old, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I am currently about to graduate with my Associates in Arts degree, then pursue a journalism degree at a four year university. Writing is my first love, but I also have a deep adoration for the arts. One day, I hope to own my own news network surrounding music and culture in communities of color.