Community College: A Short Story

I’m raised in an environment filled with negative stereotypes, high dropout rates, fewer resources, and low expectations. As a Mexican American from the San Fernando Valley, educational opportunities do not come often. In middle school it massed into my head that going to college is my way towards success. Soon it became the only option for me and as a result, I joined Project Grad to begin my journey towards college. They introduced me to the Chicano Youth Leadership Conference during my junior year. After applying and attending, the conference eliminated the label that Latinos are not college material. Subsequently, I grabbed as many opportunities as I could. In my junior my school did not put me in any AP classes. Therefore, I went to go

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

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.

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.

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

My most significant endeavor since attending community college has been has been protesting Capitol Hill at Washington, D.C. demanding congress to pass a clean Dream Act. As a member of the organization United We Dream, I went with them on a 16 hour long bus trip to the capital from Miami. Once we got to the capital, we went to a local church to practice how the protest was going to happen. At the church, I met many students like myself who all came to voice their demands to congress. During the lunch break, I met a student my age in the same grade. He noticed I was wearing a University of Southern California jacket and asked if I went there. I told him that I was a community college student at Miami Dade College planning on transferring there, that's when he told me he also attended a community college in Colorado and was planning to attend the same university.

Chapter 1 begins with a question directed to us students on a personal level; it also asks us what we know about writing, basically, college level writing. Furthermore, the book mentions to evoke memories of how were you involved in the aspect of writing. Memories such as friends, classmates, coworkers, past college classes, T.V shows, books etc.

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.

In the essay, “Where College Fails Us”, Caroline Bird talks about how college isn’t for everyone, and high school students should critically examine if a college degree is worth their time and money. Bird says high school students feel pressured by their parents and teachers to attend college because they are taught that a college degree will earn them more money, make them “better” people, and make them more responsible citizens. She says because students feel forced to go they are unhappy, and often times drop out. Bird also states that although college graduates care more about a job that matters to them than the money, they aren’t guaranteed a job in their field of study because there aren’t and probably never will be enough jobs requiring

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

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:

During admission into Bronx Community College, I faced one of the most stressful predicaments academically. After applying, and having my transcripts mailed, I waited about two weeks before calling to ensure the transcripts were received. An admission counselor confirmed all transcripts were received and in the process of being reviewed. Five weeks later, during the first week of registration, I was informed one of the transcripts had been misplaced. Avoiding any further delay, I hand delivered the missing transcript. A few weeks later, I received a registration appointment. I was put on a list, received a number, and waited 9am to 5pm on a line for two days until my name was called. Unfortunately, while sitting with an advisor I found out

“What does a dyslexic agnostic insomniac do? He lays in bed at night thinking about the existence of dog.” Although I’m neither an insomniac nor agnostic, I am dyslexic. With this has come many challenges. Where others may have succeeded more easily, I’ve struggled; I’ve fought for all I’ve achieved; I’ve persevered.

Every aspect of my enrollment at Rich Mountain Community College has been phenomenal. The professors and tutoring staff have been so patient and kind with me these last three semesters. To limit my wonderful experiences to just one is quite challenging. Through much reflection, I would have to say that receiving my mid-term grade in College Algebra is the most exciting and momentous experience so far.