Things I Know Now That I Should've Known In High School
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By Paula Vera in School Published: Thursday, 22 November 07 - 11:16 AM (GMT -08:00) Last Updated: Thursday, 22 November 07 - 12:39 PM (GMT -08:00) |
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In my last year of high school, I listened to counselors, teachers, friends, older people... about the wonders of college. They provided insight on the different things I could discover if I went to a UC.
Everyone in my senior class was so excited when they received their acceptance letters to these private and public universities.
My counselor was mortified when I told her. She couldn't help but look at me in confusion. She knew I had good grades, top 20 in the class, member of a decathlon, etc. etc. etc. She didn't hesitate to show me other schools, other community colleges better than the one I was going to (my college has an exaggerated tale). She showed me a school that was near the ocean, which would probably take 2 hours by bus. I simply told her, "Are you going to drive me there every morning?" Case closed.
Here is what I have taken away from my year of community college:
More Money Saved
This is probably the number one reason why I went to a community college. My friends who are in a private or public university have taken out loans and will probably pay them off until they're in their late 20s, early 30s. One person who's in her 30s is still paying off her student loans and can't buy a decent house. How sad. Personally, I only pay around $350 a semester and that includes my books while some of my friends are paying $6000. Yeah, no thanks.
It Doesn't Matter What School You Come From
...when you're applying for a job. As long as you have experience, you work hard, you have talent and skill (and you can prove it), you'll get the job you're applying for. For example, if you've never had experience working but are sure you'll land that job just because you're from some top university, my oh my, you sure are fooling yourself.
Community Colleges Offer the Same Education
I have professors from the UCs, CSUs, and private universities. So what's the difference now?
I'm Not Missing the University "Life"
And if you're asking about meeting new people, making friends and all that jazz, I've met many interesting people in my school. The majority of students are from different countries who have stories and different perspectives. As an International Business major, I love this kind of diversity!
This entry isn't a means to sway you off of going to a UC, CSU or private university. This is just to prove that you don't need to pay $28,000 a year for your education when you can get it for less.
Quality Does Not Have To Be Expensive and Counselors Aren't Always Right.
When picking a college: weigh the pros and cons, investigate on your own rather than relying on hearsay, and have the future as a base for your decision (i.e, do you want to pay off loans until you're 30?).
Overall, you're success depends on you, not where you come from.
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