Why I Didn’t Go To a 4-Year College
Actually, why I went to a Community College for four years…
I always thought I would go to a four-year university because that’s what your supposed to do, right? Wrong. Everyone has different plans, different life courses, different desires, different needs. Why do we let society dictate our path? Although I dreamed of going to FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise) or some top design school, or at one point, even the local CSU, that’s not where my journey led me.
Because our local Community College, Cuesta, offered the first two years tuition-free for local students, it was a no-brainer to start there. I mean, why not save loads of money while taking General Ed classes? I planned to transfer to a State College or University after that to complete my education. Once again, there was another plan brewing for me. I was a little behind on my credits to transfer after two years - partly because I had an opportunity to live in Spain with a friend + her family for a few months during my first year (an experience I’m so grateful for!) + partly due to mixed information from my counselors at Cuesta. So, I stayed on for a third year and submitted my application to transfer to Cal Poly the next year. (I had decided I didn’t really want to move away + go into debt at a fancy design school.) I focused, I worked hard, I seeked out advice/constructive critique from one of the professors I knew at Cal Poly. I have never wanted something so badly, only to be disappointed with a denial letter. I was crushed (not to mention I got my wisdom teeth removed the day before I got this rejection letter). Crushed + in pain. Great! It was a slight consolation to learn they had only accepted FOUR transfer students out of 170 - or some number like that - in my major.
I wasn’t thrilled to be staying at a community college for a fourth year. Probably because of the stigma people associate to “Community College.” BUT, I decided to look on the bright side, stay positive, soak up all the knowledge I could, + continue to move on. In May 2020, I graduated with an Associates Degree in Art + Humanities, along with a Certificate in Graphic Design. Additionally, the experience left me with a few new friends made, a ton of useful knowledge from my favorite professors, countless hours of hands-on projects, + a great start to my portfolio.
In my last year, I only had a few classes so I was able to work part-time at an advertising agency as a Graphic Designer. So now I already had about a year + a half of some great experience in my field. Even though I learned a lot in school, I’ve taken time to learn new things...like: coding, how to start a business, + how to be an entrepreneur. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. I’m beyond thankful for all that I have achieved + blessed to have my core people around me through the years (shoutout to my amazing family, my bestest of friends, + the sweetest boyfriend).
I’m incredibly thankful for my parents because they have supported me from the beginning + see what’s best for me. They never pressured me to follow what society thinks is the right choice after high school. Occasionally, people gave me a shrug or two when I told them I was attending a local community college. And honestly, it stung deep in my core every time because I have worked my a** off over those four years. It took awhile for me to be proud of myself because I let those negative feelings creep in + I was also embarrassed when people asked what college I went to. I now realize that all of our journeys are completely different. There is no right or wrong way. I’ve already accomplished more than I dreamed of at the age of 22 + I’m just getting started…
