Community College: A Fictional Narrative

The purpose of this research paper is to explore the altered missions of community colleges and related impacts on the historical mission of community colleges. The mission of community colleges were intended to serve all individuals with an equal opportunity for higher education access. In this research paper, there will be four guided questions:

Throughout High School I thought I was proficient in reading and writing in my English classes, from freshman year to senior year English classes were easy and felt I could transition my confidence to community college after graduation until I took the English assessment exam and failed in the spring of 2012. Failing my entrance exam was devastating and I refused to accept my results, I waited two academic year before I can appeal to retest my English entrance exam and after weeks of waiting I was approved to retest. After I retest the results were the same, I was placed in remedial English not only was I devastated again but I personally felt worthless. I did not know what was wrong with my reading and writing but I had no choice to enroll

College is an idea that many people talk about, but is college really meant for everyone?

Community college is a great institution for students to start their educational journey. Especially when they do not have the funds or lack some of the prerequisite that a university would require. Community college was created to serve the community, traditional and non-traditional students with the best higher education and lifetime learning opportunities. The faculty and staff members at a community college is there to provide leadership in education while going above and beyond to recognize the needs of the students and the community by providing excellent educational programs and support services that are available to all who have the opportunity to take advantage of them. “Student services now include recruitment and retention, counseling, student activities, student health, financial aid, academic support, career centers, transfer centers, and supplemental services such as transportation, child care, and services tailored for specific populations of students” (Cohen, Brawer, & Krisker, 2014, pg. 209). My philosophy in fulfilling the role and mission of the community college, is to establish the mission, vision, goals and values to guide all students on their journey to strive to become successful both in school and in today’s economy.

This article provides an insightful view into the perceived and real status of community colleges in relation to their university counterparts. Once thought of as a place merely for underachievers to attend for workforce training, Trowbridge points out these institutions now have more to offer. They provide an affordable opportunity for students to complete the same courses that are available at the university for a fraction of the cost. Noting the financial savings in comparison to the traditional university, along with the overall quality of instruction, local community colleges have become a viable alternative for those seeking a college education without the incurring unnecessary amounts of debt.

Although 2010 was not by definition, a recession year, it certainly felt like one. The growth of the economy was stifled, unemployment was stagnated at a little less than ten percent and interest rates and inflation were at near depression levels by year’s end. The state of the economy unequivocally influences tax collections and budgets, which in turn determines the financial prosperity of higher education, especially in the public sector. The two main sources of revenue for public colleges and universities are state appropriations and tuition. Generally, as cuts to higher education appropriations occur, campuses respond by boosting tuitions even higher. Yet, regardless of the size of the budget cuts, college and university tuitions

I started to work as a waitress at very young age. I stopped receiving education because my grades at school were not good and studying seemed to be boring. Working in my twenties appeared to be more adventurous and full of promises. As the time passed by, my routine at work turned out to be a nuisance. I was feeling empty inside without knowing the reason. As my level of expertise in the catering business was growing, the idea of starting up a restaurant on my own was beginning to take shape. I believed to know how to handle a business but I was missing all the technicalities. Getting back to school was a good alternative though I did not feel ready.

Do you ever think that community college is similar to high school? Do you feel community college is easier than high school? Does it seems to you that it won’t be any rules to adhere to? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you will be in a big trouble. Students used to come to a community college after they finished their high school without knowing anything about college’s life; it has rules and regulations that should be looking for before starting it. Also, there are lots of things that students don’t know about them in the community college; especially in their first year.

After I graduate from Community College of Philadelphia, I plan to attend a four-year university. I want to receive my bachelor’s degree in accounting. I have a few schools to choose from. The school I am going to transfer to is Temple University. I am choosing Temple because it is close to home, it has a good accounting program, and to continue a legacy.

Robert Siegal interviewed a couple students at Montgomery College on their point of view of community college & why they chose it. Now a days, it’s most likely for students to select community college rather a four year college or university. Young adults now choose either their time or (to be in) debt. Some prefer the experience of college, although it’s a bit pricey. On the other hand, students would rather go to community college to save money. Going into a community college can benefit those whom are financially unstable or indecisive about their major. Community college started to be a popular option since the great recession hit, causing families to have less money to send their children to a good education. Doing two years for your prerequisites

Life skills play an important role for becoming successful professionally and improving our personal lives. Oprah, in her lifeclass video, talks about being responsible for yourself and not waiting for anyone else to change the circumstances around you as a way to develop the skills necessary to flourish. The story of Robert Sherfields first experience at community college, “How Community College Changed My Life” tells of how Mr. Sherfield let go of his past failures and worked toward a better future for himself. The quote by Charles Noble “First we make our habits, then our habits make us!” is great to remember when developing the life skills necessary to continue to grow in all aspects of our lives. The video, story and quote can all be connected, good habits produce responsible people. Responsible people are aware of their

Addison states “The philosophy of a community college, and I have been two of them, is one that unconditionally allows its students to begin. Just begin.”(Addison 256). This quote talks about how some community colleges let some college students begin on their own time. Addison talks about that everyone should get a chance to attend a community college so that they can some college education. At least I am taking my chance attending a community college so I can get most of the classes that are required for me to take at Iowa State out of the way. Another point in my decisions is the class size of community college.

Looking back at my life to where I am now. I can honestly admit if I did not come to Community College my life would have been different. Here at community college I have made the most out of my experience I not only saved a significant amount of money but, furthermore I have grown not only with myself but with my grades as well. I struggled with a numerous of things in high school. However here at college I actually took the time to listen and observe. I have made friends and individuals that I can honestly call my family. I have taken the initiative to progress in my chosen fields.

Free Community College, also known as President Obama’s America’s College Promise Plan, has gained much publicity recently due to the increasing cost of attending a post-secondary institution. The America’s College Promise Plan initiative is designed to enable all students the access to enroll in a community college for free. This research study aims to explore the impact the word “free” means to high school students regarding attending a community college. This literature review will give a brief analysis of the history and growth of community colleges, the different demographics and enrollment statistics of students, the cost of attending a two-year college, and what cost factors impact potential students’ college choice decisions. Lastly, a review of the proposed free community college plan and what impact it may have on society.

Students are enrolled in the course with the intention of advancing to the next level of English and eventually into regular classes.