Frat parties, student council and the freedom of living on your own.
Community college counselors will most likely tell you that you’re not missing out on this college experience by attending their school instead of four-year university.
I say screw that. You don’t go just for classes. You don’t go for general education.
You go to meet people, party and to take part in something greater than yourself.
Believe me, I’ve been around.
I went to San Jose State University as a freshmen and I involved myself in clubs, study groups and student council. I fostered a sense of community and established my circle of friends through my choice of campus living.
I also developed my love for cycling late at night, long-boarding with friends, and doing sketchy, albeit fun, stuff.
Basically, I lived.
For the past two years I’ve been commuting to community college.
I am confined to carpooling with my dad, using the VTA bus system and keeping up with my class schedule. It’s class, then off to work or head home to finish my homework.
I still get to grab something to eat with my friends or maybe do some break dancing in between classes, but returning to an off- campus living situation has restrained my freedom.
I no longer have the chance to stay out late, cycle and do what I want whenever I want.
At San Jose State, I could do everything at my leisure. My responsibilities were close to nil, aside from academics and my campus job.
But it’s also important that I be fair and share with you my whole SJSU college experience. I was scoring only average grades and skipping out on class, and I ended up having to transfer, which brings me to my experience with community college.
At De Anza, with my rigid schedule, I have forced myself to achieve better academically, focus on my education and improve my study habits.
Therein lies the beauty of community colleges.
They provide an opportunity for students to further their studies free of distractions, allowing them to focus and apply themselves to the betterment of their future.
Yes, De Anza students may not be experiencing the university college lifestyle, but De Anza undeniably has qualities that rival a four-year experience.
And really, is the quintessential college experience necessary?