Students taking the next step in their lives by attending a higher education institution have a wealth of options. There is online college, a four-year university, technical school or your local community college to name a few. Your goals are never far from being accomplished. Yet how to do you know you’ve made the right choice? I spoke with James Bronoske, a recent graduate of his local community college in Shoreline, a suburb of Seattle, Washington State to get his thoughts.

Hotcourses USA:

What were the reasons for choosing a Community College over what others consider more traditional? (Meaning attending a four-year university)

James Bronoske:

Well for me it was a simple matter of not being accepted to a traditional four-year school. But I know for others it really boils down to a cost game. Why pay thousands more for the same classes you can take at a community college for half the price.

HC:

What does ‘going to college’ mean to you?

JB:

At the beginning going to college meant the whole experience. Living away from home for the first time. Going to college level sporting events and joining a fraternity/sorority. For me I wanted that typical experience. Instead, with the community college route, academics are at the forefront (as it probably should be) and there is little to no social aspect. Students drive to campus, take classes, and then leave, most of the time to work. While you get the same piece of paper I do believe that being around the same social experience plays a role.

HC:

How would you rate your experience within your program/department at your community college?

JB:

I was a pre-nursing major who has recently decided to switch to pre-med instead. So far my experience at Shoreline CC has been a really positive one. Most of my instructors are knowledgeable and are really there to teach and help, not necessary because in order to fund their research the University makes them. Since the majority of my courses are science based, I have observed that they are among the same par as those taught at a university level. My school offers the majority of science classes necessary for admission to med school (One year of Biology, General Chemistry, Physics, and Organic Chemistry).  You do seem to be prepared to enter the undergraduate academic pool when you leave here.

HC:

In your opinion, what are the benefits of attending a community college?

JB:

In my opinion there are two major benefits to attending a community college as opposed to a four-year right out of high school. The main one, and then one most people cite when you ask them why community college, is cost. I am able to take the majority of my prerequisite classes for literally half the cost.  And since most of the population here has to work as well as attend classes that is greatly appreciated. The other is that there really are no admission requirements. Just because you didn’t perform your best in high school doesn’t mean that you are doomed to never have a college education.

HC:

What do you hope to achieve after completion of your degree?

JB:

I have already completed my Associates of Arts and Science degree, which is the main degree offered at a community college level. I hope to use this to transfer to a four-year university and complete my Bachelor’s Degree and then continue on to Medical School.

HC:

What advice can you give to first year college students that you wish you had known?

JB:

It seems obvious enough, but GO TO CLASS. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, or you’re feeling sick, or you think the class is stupid or the professor’s an idiot.  99% of succeeding in college is simply showing up. Don’t sabotage yourself.

HC:

If money weren’t an option, would you have gone to a different educational institution?

JB:

If money, or admission results, had been different then yes I would have gone the more traditional route of a four-year institution. However that does not mean that I necessarily regret my time spent at Shoreline. It allowed me to grow up in a way I needed to.

There you have it! Just because you weren't accepted to your ideal college, doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. College is about learning, both academically and personally. Take some time and look through your options, going to college is an individual's choice and you must make the right choice for yourself. 

James Bronoske is currently a clinical phlebotomist at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He attended Shoreline Community College in 2009, graduating in 2011 with an Associates in Arts and Sciences. He's now applying to several different schools, with the goal of studying Pre-Medicine with the hopes of attending medical school and specializing in Emergency Medicine/Trauma. When he's not studying James likes to spend his free time traveling, and experiencing all the luxuries that Seattle has to offer (ie, pouring over textbooks at the nearest Starbucks with fellow coursemates). He resides in Kent, Washington.