My fifteen year old self would disown me (if that is even possible) if she knew I was attending a community college. She wanted to attend MIT, of all places, and study nuclear engineering, of all things. Like many wide-eyed, ambitious high schoolers, I held the assumption that community colleges were diluted versions of big-wig universities. Later on, I found out that assumption only held true in terms of tuition cost. Because of the smaller class sizes, community colleges don't make you feel anonymous. (it gets lonely in a room of 400 people) The lack of anonymity is what puts the 'community' in community college.
The college setting, in general, encourages others to act interdependently, a quid pro quo. Acting interdependently, breaks away from the 'man-is-an-island-unto-himself' mentality that I've built up from my uneventful adolescence. As the quarter progresses, I've interacted and exchanged insights with a variety of people who sincerely wanted to get something meaningful out of the class. Performing intrinsically is refreshing. (especially when I'm not being coerced into it)
Individual circumstances and interests have always clashed with this particular community. If the course isn't in a year long sequence, at the end of the quarter, that campy cohesion I had during study groups is whittled down to a few tactful nods and waves in a narrow hallway. I understand that everyone has their own agenda. I mean, I can't expect an esprit de corp equivalent to the symbiotic relationship between the clownfish and its sea anemone.
Regardless of how finite this community is, I'm glad to have been a part of it. I've learned invaluable lessons that could not have been accomplished from reclusive contemplation. I can see myself looking back fondly at these past quarters as money well spent. (for once)
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