I had no idea what course I should follow in high school. Should I continue working, go to college, or join the military? Its a life-changing decision thats held me up for several nights. My results were outstanding, and my peers either praised or mocked me for my intellect. School, on the other hand, did not appeal to me. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and, as a member of the post-9/ generation, I was more concerned with what was going on in the world. I was on the brink of joining the army when I realized I couldnt physically do so. The obvious choice seemed to be college. Until two of my closest friends were kidnapped before I turned eighteen. My future was the furthest thing from my mind. My grades have fallen, my heart has been shattered, and my life has been ripped apart. I got my diploma, but I didnt think college was the solution to my problems. I moved out on my own, worked in a restaurant, and simply hung out with my neighborhood friends. Every day, I felt like I was squandering my talent and life by becoming a ΒnormalΒ person. After that, I went t
o my sisters high school graduation to hear the valedictorian speech. Our greatest glory in life is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall, he said, and it has stayed with me ever since. That single line shifted my perspective on life. I decided that going to college was the only way I could progress in my life. However, money was tight, and I had no idea what I was going to research. I knew that community college would be my only chance to put my experience behind me and move forward. I had no idea how much it would affect and change my life.
Community college is sometimes portrayed as a safety net for high school graduates who lack the financial resources or academic credentials to attend a four-year university. However, I realized right away that community college meant something more. It assisted me in making the transition from high school to a wider world full of new people and experiences. You dont have to live in a dorm, you can set your own schedule, and you have access to a wealth of services. Libraries, computers, and tutors are all easily available.