Whenever I thought about where I’d attend for my college education, community college was never an option.

I never thought of it as college. People who went to two year schools were individuals who didn’t have a plan or couldn’t get into a four year university.

My little sister did Running Start at SFCC and was always singing its’ praises. She encouraged me to look at it as did other family members and close friends.

I initially started at SCC in the paralegal program. The goal was to work as a paralegal while pursing a law degree.

That first quarter opened my eyes in many ways. I discovered that the paralegal program was not a good fit for me. It also introduced me to why choosing community college was more of a pro than a con.

I’ve met numerous professors who’ve encouraged and pushed me to be the best student as well as human I can be.

My lifestyle and career plans have evolved into things that keep me motivated and excited for my future.

The friends I’ve made in both my fellow students and professors have changed my life academically and personally. Without them, I don’t want to imagine what it might look like. To all of you, thank you.

Without CCS, I would not have a career plan. Or the friends I have. I would not be writing this.

The doors that have opened I would not have found had I not enrolled as a student at community college. My life would not have changed for the better.

I will graduate next month with an AA and then return next year to pursue an AS while continuing to work on The Communicator. I plan to pursue Anthropology and Marine Biology but have yet to pick a university to transfer to.