Every community college student hopes to one-day transfer to a prestigious four-year university. However, not every university is alike and, not every university is the correct fit for an individual student. Many factors can sway what a student looks for in a transfer institute; and some experiences can influence one’s reasoning’s and objectives further than others. Both my academic and travel experiences have influenced my idea of what type of university would ideal for myself.
During the summer after my first year of college, I embarked on a journey through Europe. I back packed to five major European cities, all on my own finances. I explored Geneva, Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Barcelona. This was intended to be a journey of self discovery, but prior to my trip, I had no idea that I would meet an individual who would change my life. While in Paris, I met an elderly gentleman by the name of Baptiste. Baptiste was a blind man, and we met while waiting in line to walk up the Eiffel Tower. Baptiste was alone, and so being I offered to help him walk up the stairs of this 324 meters’ tall tower. While walking with Baptiste, I began to learn more about his
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I would not change a single thing. My trip transformed me at the most vital time of my academic career, thus far. An idol of mine and legendary American Novelist by the name of James Baldwin once said, “Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” I have a passion for exploration. As I have learned that education is not exclusive to a classroom, or one’s hometown. I aspire to be at a university that will provide me with endless opportunities to explore life; and a university that will challenge me to take my learnings outside of the classroom. I hope to transfer to a university that can provide me with the same worldly love and curiosity that Paris and Baptiste showed
Entry to community college allows just that. Addison explains, “just follow any one of the 1,655 road signs, and pop your head inside—yes, independent film, a first independent thought, a first independent study” (212). Many potential college prospects are turned away because this self-discovery found in community college cannot be found in private college; however, Addison insists that community college is the golden ticket to regain these would-be scholars. To begin, acceptance is necessary for admittance to many colleges—not community college. In the words of Addison, “down at X.Y.C.C. it is still possible to enter the college experience as a rookie” (213). Any student desiring education, preparation, and self-discovery does not need to look any further than community college, which, for some students, is the only shot at the college experience. On top of this, community colleges provide opportunities like no college—public or private—could. Community colleges provide introductory courses that could not be found in regular institutions; this allows students to explore and get their feet under them. To find and pursue an interest proves more difficult at a college because intense classes are provided from the beginning, whether students have declared a major or have yet to decide. In sum, Addison claims that an atmosphere designed
Because universities are extending the number of applicants they are accepting, a lot of people question whether community colleges still matter. Personally, I share Liz Addison, for¬¬¬mer Southern Maine Community College student and graduate of Royal Veterinary College in London, opinion that appears in her essay “Two Years Are Better than Four” published in 2007. In her essay, even though Addison rebuts Rick Perlstein’s perspective that community colleges no longer matter as they once did, explains the philosophy of community college, and recounts her college experience, she mostly focus on proving her opinion, stated in the last paragraph of the essay, that “college does still matter”(258). In other words, Adison thinks that college still
Universities can be expensive, especially if the school is out of state of current residency. Attending a community college to save up money is a smart option for students. Being able to c...
After being on the road for three years, I decided to check into returning to college at the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania. Both universities informed me that I would have to retake my first two years that I had completed at Chattanooga State. I would have to commit for another four to six years of college. I did not have the time to do this. I wanted to be finished with my bachelor?s degree within two years if possible. So, later, when they realize that their choices are limited, their futures sealed or semi-gelled, they decide that school is where they need to be (Smith, 2001).
"Where do I belong?" aimlessly day dreaming about my future I disregarded my U.S history teacher as she began taking attendance.
For the past few decades, receiving a college education has been a stressed importance in today’s society. However it is often misunderstood that attending a 4-year school is the best and only way to go. Following this belief, many students attend these schools with out being academically, financially, or mentally prepared. Unfortunately students like this have failed to over look the more realistic options available to them, such as community college. Junior college is a resource available to anyone regardless of his or her previous academic performance. The variety of courses and the inexpensive tuition gives students flexibility to explore the many options presented to them. Though Universities hold more prestige, community colleges provide endless opportunities for students who aren’t fully prepared for a 4-year education
County Community is a college that is known for its successful transfer rates. An article on CNN Money discussed about County Community’s fine transferring rates, “County Community s...
College is a wonderful experience that only a few get to expose to. Any four year university offers a great opportunity for anyone; either for the diverse rich culture college campuses offer, or the hundreds of organizations and the thousands of connections that can offer one person. In the real world today a college degree is almost “required” for any career or a good stable job. Few necessities in America are cheap or free. For example: water, health insurance, and welfare are just to name a few. Public education is on this list of free necessities in America. Coming from a person who went through the public education system for 14 years, I loved my experience and did not take it for granted. My school district wasn’t the best, but it sure wasn’t the worst. I enjoyed my time in public education and I made lifelong friends that I will never forget. My experience on the collegiate level so far has been amazing as I am on the path of accomplishing my goal to my dream career. Unfortunately, not everyone can say the same statement. A lot of people
It is not as easy as people say and think it is. It is more fun than how some people describe. The experience is beneficial for everyone to have. It has the potential to be a new start and the beginning of a bright future. It can bring a new career to an individual. Being a college student is what I’m talking about. There are a number of varying points of view on college.
"Tomorrow is the first day of what I will become." I wrote this in my diary the night before my first day of college. I was anxious as I imagined the stereotypical college room: intellectual students, in-depth discussions about neat stuff, and of course, a casual professor sporting the tweed jacket with leather elbows. I was also ill as I foresaw myself drowning in a murky pool of reading assignments and finals, hearing a deep, depressing voice ask "What can you do with your life?" Since then, I've settled comfortably into the college "scene" and have treated myself to the myth that I'll hear my calling someday, and that my future will introduce itself to me with a hardy handshake. I can't completely rid my conscience from reality, however. My university education and college experience has become a sort of fitful, and sleepless night, in which I have wonderful dreams and ideas, but when I awaken to apply these aspirations, reality sounds as a six thirty alarm and my dreams are forgotten.
When I first enrolled here at State University, I never thought I would ever be in the position to graduate. Finishing college was a huge goal growing up but it was also my biggest fear. But after three and a half years of dedication I plan to get my degree in the fall. Getting this far in college was not easy, it took encouragement from family, dedication, and assistance from others to reach this position.
Everyone has their goals in life but college is one of those methods used to fulfill those goals. College was always on my agenda. Before I was even born, my parents had created a new pathway solely for me. This road took me on a journey filled with motivation, anxiety, and gratitude that ended up taking me to college.
must stick with it. A cabinet could be opened at home and a variety of tasty
A typical junior or senior in high school is faced with a dizzying array of choices in choosing a college. Questions such as "How much is tuition." "Is there housing on campus," and "What standardized tests do they accept." are all valid and relevant. Fortunately, asking these types of questions often narrows a broad swath of potential colleges down to a small few. With that in mind, I chose a university that seemed to suit my needs, and I applied. Since I was accepted, I did't need to apply anywhere else. I was all set for the "college experience", life at the big U. Or so I thought.
y first semester at APU has gone by rather fast. It seems like orientation was only yesterday, and today we are taking finals. A lot has happened in these few months as I embark on my college career as a freshmen once again. College is a big step up when compared to high school. I am surrounded by adults far more knowledgeable than I. This year has also been full of new things, new classes, new adventures, new challenges and new risks. The college transition was more than slightly overwhelming. There were multiple times where I was completely at a loss for how to move forward. This semester has also been full of triumphs and growth. College is one of the greatest opportunities we have to grow, in our entire life. However, you cannot have growth