<p>So, I just wanted to post a little pick-me-up because I see a lot of community college-oriented hate here. I thought the same way until recently.</p>
<p>I always turned up my nose at the words "community college". I would do anything it took not to go to one, even though I didn't do so well in high school. When I graduated, I went to the first private four-year college that took me, not considering that community college might be a better option.</p>
<p>The school I went to was absolutely dismal. I don't know how anybody could call it a private college. Administration, classes and the people there were jokes; they'd been accepted nowhere else and didn't care at all how they did. I became withdrawn and depressed and withdrew after a semester. I felt as though I had no options because I'd done poorly. I wasn't even sure I could get into my state's flagship. I had dreams of going into the medical field and I was only setting myself back. So, two semesters later, I pinched my nose and applied to a community college a few hours away from my home.</p>
<p>So far, it's been the best experience with education I've had. This place is lovely. The people are diverse. Some are here for vocational training, some people who are here are planning on transferring to Cornell. Community college shouldn't be a word you say with a bad taste in your mouth. Residence life here is vibrant, and my professors care about my success. Sure, you get your fair share of stereotypical CC students, but what school doesn't?</p>
<p>The classes here also beat my last school by a mile. I'm actually learning things instead of spending two classes going over something that should have been homework for a week ago. </p>
<p>For those of you who might have to go to community college, or think you should, but don't want to because of the community college "stigma", take a step back. It's a hit-or-miss no matter what kind of school you go to. There are just as many bad colleges as there are bad community colleges, and no matter what, if you want a bachelor's degree you'll be transferring somewhere more "prestigious" anyway. I myself am looking into transferring to a four-year private, maybe Syracuse or Ithaca depending on my GPA. I'm telling you, I'm an academics snob, and I'm happier at this community college than I was at a four-year. I see my friends getting into schools that they thought were great and they hate it there. Find what makes you happy. If community college might be in your future, because you want to get gen eds out of the way, or maybe because the cost is appealing, or maybe because you didn't do so well at another school - don't be discouraged. It can be a great place to be.</p>
<p>(And a high-five to Southern Maine Community College for being such a nice place to get an education :])</p>