Personal Essay: My Community College Experience

Migrating to Raleigh in Aug. 2012, I had to decide between a community college and a four-year university to further my education. Evaluating my financial standing and my parent’s emotional condition of immigrating to a new place, I took the decision to take some time off. My studies had never been interrupted before, and had always been my top priority. During my time off I helped my parents entirely from their state paperwork to getting to know Raleigh as their new home. In Jan. 2013 I joined a nearby community college and worked my way juggling between my classes, work, and family.

My most significant endeavor since attending community college would be helping my community to receive an Adult Daycare. Thought this endeavorer I have applied my knowledge that I have learned about the disease to educate others in my community who may not have to know the impact of it. I have also used and sought the aid of my relationship that I have built by being at my community college. This Adult Daycare service or Coltrane LIFE center is something that I am passionate about having in my hometown. My grandpa has Alzheimer's and I have seen the stress that tolls on the family and caregiver.

In his article titled “I Am a Community College Student,” Terry O’Banion tells his own educational story and explains how he feels he is a community college student because of the great opportunities a community college can give students. They are affordable, close to home and Community oriented. Like Terry O’Banion I too am a community college student because without this opportunity, I would not be able to receive a college education. Community college is affordable it’s giving me the opportunity to attend college without stressing over the cost. I plan to become a lawyer and the length of time it take to do so is 7 years of college.

Throughout the course of the article, many tips were given to help a college student make the transition from a community college environment to a four-year institution. The importance of going from a community college to a school of higher learning can be seen in many aspects such as cost and personal situations. Some people when graduating high school may not feel that they are prepared to take on a full course load away from home and the comfort of those surrounding them. Others may have a financial burden causing them to have to take classes at a community college to save money. No matter what the reason is for someone completing his or her 2-year degree at a community college, they must have tools available to them to succeed in any type

Much to the relief of my parents, my pat answer of a professional athlete, to “What do you want to do in the future?” evaporated when evaluations indicated I had no talent. Not knowing what careers suited me, I participated in summers programs at Ithaca, Adelphi, Syracuse respectively explored Sports Management, Business, and Engineering careers and worked on my English. I had great experiences, especially at Syracuse, but was still at a loss as to a profession.

When I was in high school, my grade-point average was a measly 2.3. I did poorly on my SAT scores, so my only option was to apply to a community college. I was thankful to be admitted to Ohlone College, as my grade point average is now a 3.4. In retrospect, I realized that my success in community college was because of: hard work, dedication, and continuous growth. Freshmen year of college, I took a psychology class.

It took me what seem like forever to be able to live out my dream of coming back to Texas Tech University. I told myself from the beginning of my college career that no matter what happens I will finish where I started not knowing what would soon happen. During second semester of my freshman year my father lost his leg due to an accident. Those times were the hardest not only for him but also for our family. My father lost his job, my mother had to work more and I made the choice to go back home to help out financially.

When I decided to go community college, I knew that I would not be satisfied with only attaining an associate’s degree. It took me ten years to return to school, and I decided that I would make it the best experience of my life. Therefore, I set my goals high: I would work hard and apply to schools that I previously thought might just be a dream. Each school that I have chosen appeals to me for various reasons.

Everyday I am faced with choices. Some choices I have made led to positive outcomes, while others have led to negative outcomes . One thing that I have learned from all the choices I have faced so far is that, good or bad, my past doesn’t define who I am, but rather serves as lessons for me to learn from and create paths to better outcomes. Overcoming these struggles, being equipped with several strengths to succeed and a passion for my educational path are key features of why I would be a great candidate to attend Nevada State College My previous educational struggles were due to: the pandemic which resulted in online distance learning and becoming a caretaker for my grandma.

Community colleges are important because they provide an affordable alternative to postsecondary education. They offer open admission, flexible schedules, and convenient locations. Community colleges make up a large part of the higher education system, enrolling more than six million students and growing rapidly. They help students become prepared to enter the workforce or transition into a four-year school. But even with all the steps taken to make community colleges accessible to all, there are still thousands of students who cannot afford to attend.

College Isn 't The Only Answer If anyone has ever went to high school, then they have heard about college. Everyone has a different point of view on the idea of college. Part of it depends on how someone was raised.

To me this was a huge help because it was hard to be in a school that taught a language that I didn’t know. I was a fast learner and I adjusted well but without this teacher my transition would of been harder. While doing observation hours I was able to see kids that face the same struggles I once did and it’s not easy.

As I said my goodbyes on my last day of the Orphanage Project in Guatemala, I watched tears run down the children’s faces. I was touched by the positive impact I made by applying limited resources directly to those that needed them the most. This experience set a pattern in my life to help others and to serve my community. Whether it is serving soul-pleasing food to the hungry people of San Francisco or delivering burritos to the homeless, these rich experiences will help me bring a spirit of collaboration and community engagement to my classmates at Anderson.

Most community college students have a life outside their school life. Some may have more priorities than others, but they still have to pay for things, manage time, and most work at least a minimum of ten hours . There are many students that don 't return for the second year at a community college for many reasons, but the main reason is that many community college students have experienced debt. Which leads to why many first time Community College students don 't return for the second year due to money issues. First, many community college students have to work several hours while going to school.

I felt that the children were very well behaved than most children. It was a bit shocking. All of them were extremely respectful of their teacher. I am excited to continue observing this class the next couple weeks. Being in an actual classroom makes me super excited for my