People have created a stigma around junior college. More often than not the term community college comes with a negative connotation.

It is time for this stigma to come to an end. Just like all stereotypes, the belittling of community college comes from the misinformed. There are endless misconstructed ideas of what community college is like.

Community college is not just an easy route. Regardless of what school students choose to attend, they will have an endless amount of work. The faculty presents curriculum that is just as rigorous compared to four-year institutions. In fact, many of the adjunct faculty at a community college may also be teaching at a four-year university.

So who is it to say we are not getting the same education? Students should not feel like they are settling by attending community college. What truly matters is that you are getting an education and that you have a strong support system.

According to College Board, the average class size at most community colleges is significantly smaller compared to a public four-year university. The smaller class size allows for a closer relationship with the professors as well as your classmates. A smaller school size also allows students to take advantage of all the resources on campus.

Those who attend community college most likely are living at home which provides education that is more pocket-friendly. Aside from that, not much is different. Any college will be the experience that you make from it.

Community colleges still provide great tutoring resources, as well as on-campus jobs. Resources and opportunities to be involved won’t just come to you, you have to seek them out. There are plenty of resources and clubs that can contribute towards your student success.

Skyline College student, Rebecca Campos, admits she felt as if she was cutting herself short when she enrolled in Skyline.

“My first semester, whatever my views on community college did a complete 360,” Campos said. “I enjoyed it much more than I ever thought I would and the small community and all the many learning communities made it feel like home.”

Many community colleges now even give students the option to further their education beyond an Associates or Technical degree. Skyline College provides students with a chance of earning a Bachelors degree in such fields as .

Campos is now in the Respiratory Care Practitioner program here at Skyline College. The Respiratory care now offers a Bachelor’s degree. “I would have never thought I would be on my way to an amazing fulfilling career at a Community College.” Rebecca shared. “This community, the professors and the services provided have far surpassed my expectations.”

Fellow San Francisco City College student, Ashley Davis left a four-year university after one year to continue her education at community college. She echoed Campos’ sentiment. “I’m way happier here,” Ashley said. “Teachers give you that one on one attention rather than enormous lectures – where I was just a number.”

Your success as a student, and in life is composed of much more than the college you chose to attend. You are not settling by choosing community college. You have made the right choice by furthering your education.

Make the right choices by taking advantage of the faculty, peers, clubs, and resources that surround you. Community college is not a negative thing.

Many people have the thought that attending community college is a trap, but the same thought process could follow you to a four-year university level. A community college or a four-year university will be the experience you make out of the resources that have been provided to you.

After all, who said you couldn’t be successful if you went to community college? Just ask College of San Mateo Alumnus John Madden, NFL Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster.

“They (community colleges) serve a great purpose,” Madden said. “Without them there’d be a lot of us that wouldn’t get where we eventually got.”