Eleven years ago, I was standing in your shoes. Fall semester of my senior year, and everyone was talking about applying to and attending big universities. Everyone except me — or at least that’s what it felt like — and it totally stressed me out.
I kept actively involved in high school, joining lots of clubs and participating in almost every event. This helped me to build strong, enduring bonds with my classmates. I’m so grateful I had a fun and memorable high school experience. It’s thanks to my supportive family, inspiring teachers and awesome friends.
I had big plans for my future. I thought I needed to go away to a big university to accomplish my goals. My beliefs were reinforced by many classmates who also “couldn’t wait to get out” of our home town. They were ready to finally be independent and make something of themselves.
I was truly happy for my classmates who got accepted to prestigious universities. But I also couldn’t help feeling a little defeated. As the excitement of graduation approached, I tried to fight the feeling of not being good enough because I was staying home and “just” going to community college. It was difficult for some to understand why I didn’t even apply, as I was accomplished enough to be competitive for acceptance — and maybe even for partial scholarships. But I knew I simply could not afford to go without taking out substantial student loans. After serious consideration, I was unwilling to leverage my college education against my future earnings.
Once I got over it and faced my reality, I found myself interested in community college activities and events. Unexpectedly, I had a fun and memorable experience as I earned my A.A. degree, all without the stress of mounting student loan debt.
Looking back at the last 11 years, I laugh at myself for letting others influence how I felt about myself for choosing to attend a community college. What did I missed out on for staying home for my first two years of college? Nothing! What did I miss out on for working through college, taking six years to earn my Bachelor’s degree? Nothing!
I remember friends coming home with their college degrees, stressing about finding a good job because they had to start paying back substantial student loans. I was so thankful that I didn’t have to start my career with such a heavy financial burden. It gave me the freedom to choose the job I wanted after graduation, not the job that simply paid the most.
In retrospect, I regret that I didn’t fully embrace my decision to attend community college with the same excitement my friends had about attending their chosen schools. Ultimately, it was the perfect choice for me; I got the best of both worlds. I built new relationships in my hometown before moving to collegiate life at a large university to complete my degree. Then, I was able to take a six month internship touring the country, which then led to a full-time job offer. I ended up getting everything I ever wanted, and it didn’t matter at all that I had initially stayed home to do it.
So, for those of you staying home:
- You CAN get an awesome education
- You CAN make an impact locally or globally
- You CAN be great
- You CAN have it all
Whatever it is that you want to do or be, you CAN. And you CAN start your journey at home. Don’t let anyone make you feel differently.
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