Community Colleges are such a great resource

[rox63]

I just graduated from a community college today. It's my 2nd Associate's degree. I got one back in 1987, and now I just got another one in a different field. When I was in high school, my parents told me they couldn't afford to pay for me to go to college. If I wanted to go, I'd have to pay for it myself. So I enrolled in the local community college, majoring in electronic and computer technology.

That first 2-year degree helped me get into a field (computer/software support) that kept me gainfully employed for 20+ years. Then I started to get burned out and yearned for something different. I took the plunge and went back to school for another 2-year degree, this time in health care. Here I am in middle-age, about to make a fresh start in a new field. And none of this would have happened without community colleges.

If I'd had the resources, I'd have gone to a 4-year college to get a Bachelor's degree. But the time and money have never been there. So I did what I could afford, and it's been a fantastic way to get job skills and find a rewarding career. Quite a few people use CC's as a stepping stone to transfer to a 4-year school. But I think I'm going stop and rest for a bit (education-wise), then get out there and look for a job in my new field.

[mdavies013]

1. Too bad we couldn't provide money for students to attend. In NC they have doubled the cost

because of state budget shortfalls.

[rox63]

2. I think that the govt should provide free tuition to community college for all high school graduates

Even for those who don't want a degree, there are plenty of programs that are certificates that take a year or less. Between the 2 schools I've attended, you can train to be an auto mechanic, a tractor-trailor driver, a phlebotomist, a dental assistant, a CAD drafter, a paralegal, a sign-language interpreter, a network administrator - and those are just in the certificate programs. These are all fields that can give you what you need to make a decent living. It would give everyone a chance to get a marketable skill. And those who wanted to could go on to a 4-year school for more education.

Me, I've just gotten my Associate's degree in Respiratory Care. So I'm going to be a respiratory therapist. There were also a ton of nursing, business, liberal arts, criminal justice, early childhood education, etc, etc, graduates there today.

[jtuck004]

3. We would be SO much better off if we would end tution at

community colleges, operate them from the state like public secondary schools. People could develop themselves into so much more part-time, at night, even at work. It would be such a great _investment_!

Move as much as possible of the curriculum to the web, have big labs (not just "science" but building, gardening, kitchens, others), and libraries. Develop R&D centers for the community.

For the rich kids, and those who can afford or want to or can work their way through the 4 year schools can remain as they are.

But we need an adult resource for education that doesn't have the barrier of cost or loans that have to be paid back so people have some freedom to explore.

Some of the best times in my life were at an underground (no, I mean physically under the ground) community college in Oklahoma City. Studied theatre, a bit of writing, computer-assisted design, got my certification as an Intermediate Paramedic (those were the good old days, before it grew up into an "institution" and Oklahoma took an unfortunate and hard Right turn). I have more hours at the junior college than I have from the schools where I got my 4 year and MEd degrees. And the community college made me more money than either of those.

Big fan of 2 year Adult Schools.

I am thinking about going back to the one here in Eastern Washington to study Water. That's going to be a big deal sooner or later.
Don't want to put you on the spot so you don't have to answer, but can you tell us what two degrees you earned?

[rox63]

4. Yep

The one I got in 1987 was in Computer Electronic Technology. From there, I became first an electronics technician, then went on to software tech support.

The degree I just graduated with today is in Respiratory Care. Once I take my board exams and get my state license to practice, I'll be a Respiratory Therapist.

[jtuck004]

9. Interesting. I came really close to going through the

Respiratory Care program a couple years ago. But I didn't want to spend my time walking up and down hospital concrete floors.

It's a great field with a lot of possibilities though.

Congratulations!

and thanks.

[rox63]

10. There aren't a lot of RC programs here in New England

Which is weird considering the concentration of hospitals in the area. I think there are 6 in all of Massachusetts, all 2-year programs. I live near the New Hampshire border, and there's only one for the whole state of NH. So I'm going for licensure in both states, so I have more options.

[jtuck004]

11. That's the smart plan. It does take resources to run these programs,

and there is lots of competition for scarce dollars, so you are fortunate there is one close enough.

Good luck with it, and again, congratulations!

[Orangepeel]

5. Congratulations and good luck in your new career!

:thumbsup:

[rox63]

8. Thanks! n/t

[madrchsod]

6. congrats!

i started in 1967 and still have`t graduated. i have over 96 credit hours and still 12 hours short of two or three associate degrees. i`m going back because i`m retired i get in free!

yup community college are a national treasure!

[rox63]

7. Cool - Go for it!

Thanks for the good wishes!

Maybe I'll go back for #3 after I'm retired. :)