With the deadline to drop classes quickly approaching, students are beginning to consider whether or not college is for them. By now, most students have turned in their first homework assignments, taken their first tests, and really gotten to know their professors. For some, choosing the right major is the most important thing. Others are beginning the tedious process of transferring. But one thing in the back of everyone’s mind is certainly, “Where am I going with my life?”
Amanda Siler, a 19-year old sophomore at Yuba College decided to go to community college after graduating from Yuba City High School in 2005. Siler decided to go to Yuba College for the cost effectiveness and because it gave her time to figure out what she wanted to do. Siler, who always saw herself as a High School English teacher, recently changed her major to Kinesiology.
She said one of the most frustrating things about Yuba College has been finding out later that some of her classes do not transfer. Siler said that she got discouraged when she found out how hard it is to transfer into the Kinesiology program at CSU Sacramento. She is discouraged when she thinks about how much school and work have affected her social life. Siler’s advise to future students is: “Try to stay focused, and don’t let the desire to have money interfere with school work.”
Many students agree that the most frustrating time of their college career comes with transferring from a community college to a university. Nichole Upton, a Biological Science major, recently transferred from Yuba Community College to CSU Sacramento after two years at Yuba College. Upton was very irritated when she found out that she lost almost a whole semester of courses when she transferred.
She does, however, enjoy her new university life and talks very highly of Sacramento State’s Science department. She said professors at the university are a lot more willing to help you, and there is more of a variety of classes. Upton’s advice for transfer students is: “Meet with a representative from your future school early on, and try and keep in mind that the worst thing that you think could happen to you probably will!”
College is a very challenging time in everyone’s life. Ultimately, deciding your career is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Be wise and follow your heart.
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