How community college prepared me for Temple

High school is a time to think about what you want to do with your future. Most people are working towards getting into their top school, but I didn’t spend too much time thinking of that.

I wasn’t as future-oriented as some of my peers, though I was active in my school and got good grades. I had not applied to colleges – I figured I’d start out at my local community college because it was cheap and I could commute.  The college center at my high school helped me apply, and after graduation I was ready to go.

From the moment I sat in the spacious atrium for orientation at Montgomery County Community College, the presenters pushed attendees to start thinking about their graduation date and where they would eventually transfer. “We just got here,” I thought to myself.  A worry struck me as I looked at the anxious faces of the other new students. I did not know where the buildings on the orientation schedule were, so how was I expected to know where I was going to go after graduating?

As I started my first year, I met fellow students from all points on their academic journey. I sat in my philosophy class one morning and struck up a conversation with a blond girl who was about to transfer to Temple. She told me about an agreement Montco and Temple have where, if you keep your grades up and apply for the program before reaching 30 credits, you can get into Temple without applying as long as you fill out the necessary paperwork.

There were minor details to account for, but it was perfect. I knew Temple would be a great choice for me because they had the major I wanted and it was an easy commute by train. I also loved Temple’s overall atmosphere and knew people who absolutely loved it there.

I went through my time at Montco, keeping my grades up and joining campus organizations to gain leadership experience. These things helped prepare me for the next stage of my academic journey.

The summer after I graduated with my associate degree in music I began my stride towards my first day at Temple. I went to an advising session, which was my first time on the actual campus, and I was instantly in love with the city feel. It was so much different than the small town I had known all my life.

I registered for classes, got my student ID, and talked to financial aid about possible scholarships. Trying to find these places was difficult, but so many people on campus were willing to help me out.

I attended the class meeting and convocation – it was so surreal. We poured into the Liacouras Center and heard speeches from faculty, students, and even famous alumni. The pep rally that followed was a blast and I learned the fight song and the “I believe that we have won” chant. I have since seen Kunal Nayyar, David Axelrod, and Wolf Blitzer speak on campus.

Starting out at a community college gave me the motivation I needed to succeed at Temple and in my life. Temple has so much to offer, from academics to athletics, and it was an awesome choice for me. I have grown and matured so much academically, personally and professionally.

Temple has encouraged me to keep working hard towards my future, and the faculty and staff members have my best interests in mind. I am so proud to be part of such a loving and supportive community.

Without my community college experience, however, I would not have been as academically and professionally ready for Temple. During community college I became more focused on academics and good grades, and I took on more extracurricular activities and leadership roles.

So, even though I switched majors when I got to Temple, I was able to get my GenEds done at a much lower cost. Community college was awesome, so it’s time to stop the hatred towards two year colleges.