For me, attending a state college, private college, or university was out of the question. I did not have the minimal ACT or SAT scores, and it had been 18 years since I had been in school. With open enrollment at community colleges, a college admission process that only requires you to have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development certificate, I decided to attend a community college by word of mouth and research done on the college website. Since I enrolled at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in the Fall of 2013, I have gotten the encouragement from my professors and in turn has given me the aspiration to push myself to excel in my studies.
I could not imagine starting my college education anywhere but Minneapolis Community and Technical College. The reason that I say this is because Minneapolis Community and Technical College makes me feel like family and very comfortable in achieving any goal that I may have. I came to Minneapolis Community and Technical College thinking that all the other students here would be a lot more advanced and superior than I am only because I took so much time off from school. Starting classes here my thoughts were completely changed by the way everyone was welcoming and eager to help me with whatever I needed. Another reason why I feel that Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a great place to get my feet wet is because of the small class sizes, that range from 18 to about 54 students, and convenient location from where I live. My commute, by personal transportation to campus is about 20 minutes or 5.5 miles away from where I live in St. Paul. Most four year colleges and universities would be hesitant to accept an individual like myself whose ACT ...
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...am treated as a human being and I am accepted, gives me the aspiration to want to succeed.
In conclusion, my aspiration has grown due to the passionate and dedicated professors I have encountered in all of my classes so far at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. I could not see myself anywhere else but here. I have experienced the knowledge my professors bring to class, their gift of bringing my abilities out, and being able to eliminate my anxiety. I continue to remain focused and believe that I will succeed by receiving daily assurance from classmates and my professors. I do not see myself experiencing any of this, that I have experienced at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, at any other university.
Works Cited
Rose, Mike. Back to School: Why Everyone Deserves a Second Chance at Education. New
York: The New Press, 2012.
For those that could not undergo the college experience otherwise, doors leading to opportunity are opened. However, I do not share Addison’s view that attending community college is the best method for anyone. Whether college or community college is chosen, comparisons cannot be properly made. It is difficult to determine which of the two choices is better because every person and their situation is different, requiring different methods. I gravitate towards the position of avoiding community colleges if possible, but as stated before, college is not always possible. Private colleges tend to have higher academic standards, for everyone earned the right to be admitted. This community of common ground and similar academic ability creates an atmosphere that is comfortable, yet motivated. I agree with Addison and Hacker and Dreifus in the sense that education needs improving, but I do not agree with their entire view. It is impossible to create a perfect form of education because not every student is the same. A different education than the current is not always the answer because someone will always be placed at a disadvantage. In conclusion, I strongly encourage the option of attending private college; however, community colleges can serve as a wonderful, life-saving alternative for those who desire the college experience, but are unable to attend
One major decision one must make after exiting high school is whether to go to a university or go to community college. In the article “Two Year Are Better Than Four,” written by Liz Addison. She expressed her opinion on the significance of community colleges in comparison with the university. She stated that community college do not receive the acknowledgment and appreciation that they deserve. “what’s the matter with colleges?,” (Addison 255). although, there is a lot to agree with within the article there are some faulty statements that two year colleges don’t offer the best education possible and that community college are more engaging and individualized for a student and the price is also much less expensive than a university education.
As I reflect on my college life, I wonder about the choices I have made that have led me to where I am today and that will guide me into shaping who I long to become. The things I have had to sacrifice, the support and experiences I have had with family, friends, strangers and work colleagues. I don’t know what I will be doing three months or thirty years from now but I do know that I want to have new experiences. When I graduated from high school, I knew I didn’t want to be that person that moved back to the same town and stayed there for the rest of my life. I even contemplate leaving the United States in my adult life. Who really knows, maybe those cards are still in the deck. For now, I know my immediate goals include focusing on completing my college education the best I can, and moving away from my comfort zone, broadening my horizons and taken risks.
There isn't anything more important to community colleges than the certainty that they can and should provide all qualified people who are looking to be accepted with admittance (Vaughan). The people of the community college represent forty-four percent of all undergraduates and forty-nine percent of students attending college for the first time (David). These students include a lot of minority students, students with a low social standing and the non-standard (age twenty-five and older) student who commonly enters college less academically equipped (David). Most community colleges have made immense advancement in reducing a lot of geographical and economic blockades that have in the past limited college admittance (David). Community colleges are to be expected to present significant support to increasing occupation proficiency in the future as additional workers realize they must continue to improve their ability all the way through their profession (Black). Many people believe, that because these students are less likely to be ready for college, that they have a better chance of failing (Weis). All students should have the right to expand their knowledge through higher education regardless of how they did in high school.
However, the idea of being successful is interpreted differently by those who carry a different socioeconomic status. This status is based upon one’s social class and their income, which is what gives the term successful such a wide range of definitions. This also often times goes hand in hand with how class attendance and performance is judged by parents of college students. With a higher socioeconomic status comes more money within the family, and in turn causes higher income families to send their kids to bigger and more expensive four-year universities that require more work in harder classes than more two-year community colleges. Harder classes with all the homework thrown on top can make it difficult for anyone from any socioeconomic background to excel, add skipping classes to this equation and it may seem near impossible to excel. This is where the family bank account comes into play. When kids don’t attend class and their grades follow suit by dropping wealthier families have the option to come out and say their kid gave it ‘the good ole college try’ and help finance another path to help them become successful. As for the other end of the spectrum, lower class families are often times putting a first generation college student into a position to help them move up the socioeconomic ladder with a college degree. Although, with tuition prices for a four-year out-of-state college averaging about $23,000 and in-state sits at roughly $10,000 the obvious choice for lower income families is a two-year community college that is a third of a four-year in-state university which is $3,300 (collegeboard). With such a large portion of their hard-earned savings invested into their children’s future the kids have a lot more on their shoulders to do well and attend
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
..., helps keep you focused on the goals you set, and helps push you to attain those goals. Once you prove to yourself that you can work hard enough, the world becomes a lot smaller and opportunities reveal themselves to you so that you may broaden your horizons and make your life what you want it to be.
Most community college campuses are small compared to universities, which means that class sizes are typically smaller as well. Many students who attend a university after high school have trouble keeping up with the academic pace, and large class sizes made up of hundreds of students only makes matters worse. At community colleges, professors are far more accessible and can provide the personal time students are accustomed to. Community colleges are a notch above high school, but they also provide great learning and social atmospheres on a smaller scale. My freshman year of college, I attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. Most of my classes had over 250 students in them and I didn’t have the opportunity to meet a single profe...
For people who attend two-community colleges, they can improve their academic skills. Community colleges can provide students who are unprepared because they had lower scores in high school or on standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. “Community colleges also give students a chance to improve their grades if they performed poorly in high school and to earn associate degrees before transferring.” (Fortenbury). Students can make their own pace to prepare their next steps toward a university.
being able to make more money, having a better job security, more career opportunities and furthering
I have accomplished a lot in a short period; however, my journey is not complete until I continue my education. Essentially, this degree will help foster my growth and career success. My passion and dedication will speak for itself. My hard work and determination will prevail and I am a fit more than the next applicant because I have the passion, experience, critical thinking and analytical skills needed to complete this program through successfully arguing my capstone in front of a board or committee. My goals are definitely aligned with this program and I hope my next read is an acceptance letter from the admissions council.
I’m a student at Tompkins Cortland Community College this is my first semester as a college student. I plan to go to college for four years and only be at TC3 for this one semester, then transfer to a four year school. College has grown around the world more than ever and more people are attending college more than ever. I have chosen to go to college because of the rewards after graduation. Yes it is another four years of school but by getting more education and an extended degree gives me more opportunities for better jobs and more money. The career I have chosen to study is business administration. I am hoping that it takes me to a great job managing a company or possibly being an accountant.
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.
I have chosen to go to the local community college to get used to the college experience. College life can be an exciting time but at the same time it can be a challenge. I feel that starting out at the community college would be a better chose than "jumping" into life at a four-year university.
I have a mindset now that is unlike anything I have ever achieved before. I continue to grow in this way of thinking and learning each time I interact with my fellow classmates and professors. I have learned to build my ideas and thoughts around a system of interactive engagements with team members of numerous student groups I have had the pleasure to be associated with. And, to take the valuable advice and mentoring from the outstanding professionals that have been my professors as a guiding path for my own professional