It has been six months since I started my community college experience. I have to say that it has been quite a learning experience for me. I enrolled, not knowing what to expect. I had been out of school for over 20 years but, I was eager to start my classes. I sat patiently waiting to do my financial paperwork. I looked around at all of the younger people and thought to myself " can I really do this?"

I was nervous to say the least. I tried to prepare myself mentally. I kept telling myself 'just do the best you can." I went to the bookstore to purchase my books and I could not believe the prices. The books costs more than the classes did, but I did not let that discourage me. I was ready to start my classes.

I started with the six week express summer session. The classes were easy, mainly, because they were refresher classes. They were a good way to get myself back in the rhythm of doing school work again. I had to retrain my brain to think like a student again. I had always enjoyed reading but now I had to think critically about what I read. I had to understand and be able to explain what I had read.

I am in the main set of my classes now, which consist of English and math. My English teacher is very enthusiastic. We have been writing essay papers all semester. My first paper was a B+, not bad for being out of school for such a long time. I have written three papers so far and I am up to an A-. I have come to realize that I enjoy writing very much. Each week, I eagerly await the next writing assignment. We only have two more papers to write but there is always next semester. I will enroll in ENC1102, which means there will be more essays to write.

My major for college is business administration. However, with each essay that I am assigned, I wonder about that. I have thought about pursuing writing as a full-time profession. I believe that I have the ability to be creative and effective as a writer.

I am just starting out with my college days. I have time to sort out what I really want to do.

I know that I will need to write many more essays to perfect my writing skills. But I feel that I am well on my way.

Learn more about this author, Maryann Horning.
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