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An essay by student Berni Sarazine 

Three years ago, I moved with my son to a new neighborhood. We had a nice view from our windows. I began noticing many college students heading toward �鶹ֱ�� for classes. I reminded myself that I had promised “younger me” that I would return to school as “older me” if I still didn’t have a degree. 

I went to the college’s website and noticed that the school was having their fall open house in a few weeks, so I signed up. I applied and was accepted that evening at the open house. It is three years later, and as I am nearing graduation, I can clearly appreciate the advantages of a community college education.

Because I was unsure if I could succeed in school, I signed up for just one class in January 2023. College Composition seemed to be a wise starting point since I was pursuing a creative writing degree. I enjoyed the discussions we had in class and thought my professor was quite encouraging. 

I received my first of many A’s that spring and decided to take three classes during the summer. I received my first and only B at the end of the semester. I was disappointed in myself but vowed to work even harder toward my goals. I have earned A’s in every class since. My current GPA is 3.93, and it might be nudged a little higher during my last two semesters before graduation.

What advantages do I see in a community college education? Number one, I feel, is the fact that the class sizes tend to be considerably smaller. This is a welcoming sign for older students returning to school. It made me feel less like a number and more like an individual that mattered. I can understand younger students choosing community college for the same reason. It is easier to learn about and learn from your classmates in discussions during class time.

I also feel that community colleges tend to have a more diverse student body. One of the advantages of being part of a diverse student body is the different viewpoints you will hear. I have learned many things about different cultures while attending my community college. It has helped shape my experience. I will be a stronger writer because of it.

It goes without saying that a community college education is much more affordable. My school, and I am sure many others, serves many first-generation college students, who historically have been underserved. Many students need tutoring help, English as a second language classes, mentoring, cultural events, and other support services. There are also students with minor children, who do better when support services are offered. �鶹ֱ�� has a Student Parent Center on site, which I am certain relieves a fair amount of stress most young parents face every day. Everyone that I’ve talked about in this paragraph needs affordability to attend school and continue their education.

Another advantage to a community college education is flexibility. Most schools have evening classes as well. I have taken two evening classes during my time at �鶹ֱ��. I also have taken summer classes, and most community colleges offer a respectable amount of summer classes as well. Of course, there are also hybrid classes, where you have a 50/50 split between in-person classes and on-line classes. There are also classes that are completely online. They serve their purpose; but I miss in-person discussions in those classes. I did take an online class this summer because I knew I had a wedding to attend, followed by surgery. The flexibility really helped me out.

Another advantage is you can attend a community college and high school at the same time. I know a student in two of my classes that will be graduating from community college and high school Spring 2025, one week apart. From there she will be transferring to a four-year school. I wish they had that opportunity when I was sixteen. Perhaps, I wouldn’t have quit community college in 1977, if I had earned college credits during high school.

The last point I will bring up is that community colleges generally work with partner four-year institutions to ensure that you have fulfilled your first two years before transferring as a Junior to a four-year. My school has several advisors, which I am sure is typical for most community colleges, that are ready and eager to keep students on track striving toward their goals. Almost everywhere you look in a community college, there is someone available to help make your community college experience the best it can be.

I will hopefully be transferring to a four-year college in Fall 2025. My nerves are acting up occasionally, yet, I know in my heart, and my mind, that I can do this. I have community college to thank for giving me the opportunity to fill my “personal tool belt” and preparing me for the next steps in my journey of education.

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