Why Race to College
By: Noah Durin
Tags: High School, Higher Education, Education, Students, Community College

How many of your parents bug you about college? The answer to that I am sure is most of them. I am here writing this from my own experience to tell you why it could be a good idea to take college slowly at a community college.

When I was in high school I remember my classmates talking about which colleges they wanted to go to, while my mind was always else where. I attended a private catholic school and so classes were generally smaller than public school classes, this led to a more intimate learning setting where they focused on getting students ready for college straight out of high school. Since the school was focused on getting students into colleges of their choice it always seemed like some sort of expectation to know what university you were interested in along with what career path you might take. It was almost looked down upon if you were to not know what you wanted to do or even if you wanted to just go to a community college. That is where I stood, uninterested and no clear idea of what I wanted to do. I believe this is a position many high school students may find themselves in, directionless and pressured into believing that going straight to a university is their only option.

I am here to tell you that it is not your only option. After high school I was still so directionless with what I wanted to do with my life that I decided to just go to a community college in my hometown. Today I believe this was the best choice; community college is only two years of schooling and a great way to get your general education out of the way if you still plan on going to a bigger college or university afterwards at some point. Community colleges are not only easier than the big schools but usually much cheaper. So rather than spending my money on classes at a big school where I have no direction as to what I want to do I decided to save and go to a community college. During this period I took my time with classes and worked outside of school which gave me time mature along with finding my passion. I would travel whenever I could, going to big cities across the country or even going abroad to Amsterdam or Greece. I found from traveling that the small town life I was used to live was not what I wanted and I learned about myself that I loved the fast paced, 24/7 life style of a big city. I also found while exploring my passions that I wanted to do something in the fashion industry since my fondness of fashion only grew from increased exposure to different cultures outside of my home. If I had been confined to an expensive college where I actually had to put effort into my work along with more money I doubt I would have had the time or money to find my passion. By the end of my two years I had grown and found myself which helped tremendously in deciding my next path; which was to go to a bigger college in the city where since I had my gen-eds done I was able to basically jump right into my intended major. Had I not taken this time to grow and find what I wanted to do I would have been spending countless dollars and time taking classes on things I could care absolutely less about.

So what I am here to tell you is to take your time with college and figuring out what you want to do, it is not a race to see who can get into a career first. We are young, we have our whole life ahead of us do not be afraid to find yourself and your passion before jumping straight into college. Why waste money and time doing something because you wanted to do right by your parents, your parents will be happiest when they know you are happy with your direction. Find yourself, find your passion and I promise college will be a million times easier when you are motivated to do exactly what you want to do.