Perspectives on Community Colleges

Community colleges are excellent places to gain an education. From students not ready for a university to those that just want to refresh their education or learn something new, community colleges are affordable and less intimidating. I have had the pleasure of experiencing community colleges from three different perspectives.

I lived in California and had the opportunity to attend a small local community college, the College of the Desert in Palm Desert. I was 23 when I finally decided that I wanted to attend college and this college offered me the opportunity to attend part time and not feel out of place. While most students at community colleges are fresh out of high school there are also many older students especially in evening classes.

Admission into community colleges is no where near as difficult as admission to four year colleges or universities. Placement tests are usually all that are required to begin taking classes. I originally chose an Electronics degree program and began taking classes. Unfortunately the size of the college made it impossible for them to continue the program at that time and instead of going elsewhere I changed my degree to Engineering. Most credits taken at a community college are transferable to other colleges but I liked the smaller environment and stayed.

I was easily able to obtain scholarship assistance to help with the cost of books and materials. The smaller size of most community colleges provides a bit more personal attention. I was also able to tutor other students for additional income but found that the best part of being a tutor was what I learned from those I was helping. The opportunity for assistance from teachers was also marvelous, smaller class sizes gave a better chance for one-on-one learning.

With my program change in the middle of my studies and the fact that I could not attend full time it took me several years to obtain my degree. I received my A.S.E.T. in 1988. While community colleges are also less expensive than four year schools California offers an almost free two year education for residents. The prices have gone up over the years but even so the costs are reasonable. Because of the very low cost I continued taking classes for several years after my actual degree was finished. I enjoyed the environment and the affordable opportunity to learn.

I am now in the state of Ohio and have gained two more perspectives of community colleges. I am the parent of a student at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. My older daughter was not fond of high school; neither the environment nor the education provided sparked any interest for her. However, she persevered and graduated at the age of 16. She enrolled at the college before she turned 17. Now in her second quarter she enjoys her classes and the environment around her. Community college offer are different learning experience, the chance to analyze and think for yourself. The smaller size is beneficial to younger students that could be overwhelmed by a university.

I also work as a temporary employee at Sinclair. I work in the web order department of the bookstore at the beginning of each quarter. I can say the job is one of the best that I have had the opportunity to do. At work I am surrounded by the energy and enthusiasm of the academic environment. I see people of all age ranges, social backgrounds, ethnic groups and lifestyles. They are all there for one simple reason, an opportunity for an affordable education.