Remember what it felt like to celebrate your high school’s spirit week? It felt awesome to be a part of something that everyone takes so much pride in. Not too long from now, we might be attending universities where students’ and staffs’ apparel are adorned with school logos. Parking lots will be filled with cars that have school bumper stickers and license plate holders. Now, who says Skyline can’t have a community of faculty, staff, and students who feel proud of the place we spend so much of our time at?
Whether good or bad, no one can forget their high-school experience. After graduating, adults deem their college years some of the best in their lives. In contrast, that sense of school pride is almost nonexistent in the community college level.
Although many students are in and out of community colleges each year, the time and effort spent are still valuable. While some students head to a four-year college straight out of high school, others will never get to sit in a classroom again. In between, there are those who will be done with their academic careers after community college. And for these students, community college will be their last chance to fully live the college experience.
Now some of you might argue that there really isn’t much to be boastful about here at Skyline, but that’s only if you look at the glass half empty. Our sports teams may not be Division I material, but at least we have an athletic program. We may not have brick walls adorned with ivy, but Skyline’s modern architecture has a charm all its own. Our parking situation might not be the greatest, but how many university parking lots can boast an ocean view?
My challenge to you is to take more pride in our school. Don’t be ashamed to wear Skyline apparel or even decorate your car with Skyline stickers (I’m sure you already have a SMCCD parking permit stuck on your windshield anyway). Or come support your student athletes at their next home game. Lord knows they could use some love.
We all have our own goals in life. Each of us has a unique journey to reach them. However, remember that our different journeys have led us to one place: Skyline College.