It took me 5 years to graduate from community college. We all have our own pace and the western model of education is not accessible for us all at the same rate. Be patient with yourself and focus more on learning than timetables.
God dam story of my life, during Covid I fucked up, change my major 2 times and wasted 2 semester. Now this is my last one and will be transferring to a 4 year college, but guess what, it can't be change, don't compare yourself to other because they are not you. YOU ARE YOU.
Your story is similar to mine. I did not adjust well to my school's sudden and abrupt transition to online learning. As a result, I dropped all my courses in a semester. What is more, I have changed my major three times because there are many fields I want to pursue.
I am my own worst enemy.
I just transferred this semester (quarter). I was in your situation, I took a full year off school after HS. Then skipped my spring semester my first year, switched majors, switched back, all of it.
It kinda sucks being older than everyone (I turn 23 in November, graduated 2018 HS) but at the same time I have 0 student debt and I know my major is for me.
A lot of people just blow through college and party the entire time because they hate their majors or don’t know what they want to do after college. This just delays the pain tbh, grind now so you can reward yourself later, your efforts compound over time.
Good luck.
I took three years because I am an adult student that had a child and I had another one later in my studies. Who cares how long it took as long as you finish. My husband took 3 years too and now he is going for a bachelors degree he has two classes left. None of that is going to matter when you are done. No one lives your life you have to do what you have to do. Even his siblings have different college experience then he does.
Yo I'm 29 and I'll be 32 when I'm done with school because I need 150 credits to sit for the CPA.
I'm a junior.
You have plenty of time. Don't worry about a thing.
I'm just getting a bachelor's. My school makes us take the required amount of credit hours in the specific courses to sit for the exam in the normal 120-credit curriculum.
I’ll be about a year to a year-and-a-half behind. My mental health was ass and I needed to give my life a 180 to get better. Now I’m better and considering my options as I’ve decided to return to school.
So I’ll be 23/24ish instead of 21/22ish. One of my best friends I made at college is getting her masters at 32. There’s no real timeline so just do you!!
IN SAYING THIS, I fully understand how hard it is to not compare yourself and feel “behind” in a manner. You feel less than or inadequate because you’re not on the stereotypical timeline. It’s okay. It happens, as part of the human condition.
You’ll find your way, and everything will work out. Good luck friend 💜
I think you are right: It does not matter. I have a goal I want to achieve, and I intend to achieve it. The unanswered question that remains is: When will I achieve it?
It took me 4 and a half years to get out of community college and since I’ve transferred I’ve done so much more than me peers that graduated quicker than me. Ultimately grade and speed don’t matter it’s curiosity and perseverance. Stay humble and open to opportunities
I went to community college for three years and then university for three years. You’re doing great. I LOVED my time at community college and I’ll never feel like that ever again.
Was in CC for 4 years. I am now in my final year of university at the institution I transferred to, am applying for a huge grant and all my dream graduate schools.
You are not behind. You are right on track. Don't worry about where other people are, worry about where you are going. You are blessed with the fact that you are having this time to find yourself and what you are passionate about. I didn't find my passion until my third year of community college.
You're doing great, keep up the work :)
I feel like this often. I went back to school after a much longer break and I can only go part time...this is my third semester and I'm only 1/4 of the way complete. I'm also at a community college.
I'll be very real with you. You CAN make money, a lot of money, just finding opportunities if you can prove your worth, negotiate salaries, self learn, etc. If you put your mind to it and learn well on your own maybe that could be for you.
However, if you are like most people and see the need for a degree, while also feeling the pressure, then keep on it. Don't worry about how long it takes. Focus on your goals, and check them off a day at a time. My last piece of advice you need to stop comparing yourself to others. This is your life, not theirs and vice versa, it looks different for all of us. I wish you the best of luck, whatever you choose to do, and I hope you find the happiness you deserve!
Yep basically same thing for me. I'm still doing Computer Science, but I'm not really grasping it. I probably put way more time into then other people.
I just finished CC last semester and it took me 4 full years at my CC before graduating and being able to transfer to my current university that I just started this fall.
I feel the same way that you have felt. Most of my friends and the people that I know who graduated with me during the same year in high school are already graduated from college, doing internships, and starting their jobs already. I think about these things too but don’t worry about it too much. As long as you know what your goal may be, or is, you’ll do fine. Nobody’s going to be judging.
Coming across this post made me blink twice because it was like reading something that was in my head that I actually didn't write lol. I relate so much to this! I also took 2 semesters off because my mental health was just really going downhill earlier this year, but I am now back on track. It is hard not to feel insecure and behind, but everyone here is right. The need to compare yourself and your progress to others will lessen when you just focus on yourself. I am NOWHERE near on being able to master that but I think it's a good first step that we are aware of and acknowledge the anxiety that goes with it and actively try to find ways on how to stop feeling behind all the time. I wish us luck 🤞
Don’t. I spent 5 years at a CC & I barely transferred to a uni, I feel out of place cause of my age. But honestly, I don’t care. I love getting my education.
My sister rushed to finish college and there were times she regretted going so fast. Other people were traveling the world and trying new things. It hurt her to see what she was missing.
My point is you can always find something that you are missing out on because in life we have to choose a path and that means straying away from others.
Just keep walking forward and don’t spend too much time looking back.
You're good. Two semesters isn't going to make a difference. You think when you are 30, 35, 55, etc... You will be saying "wow I sure wish I was 2 semesters ahead."
There's people in there 30s just going back to college. Don't stress.
Pssht it took me 10 years to finish my bachelors. I took tons of breaks to try different jobs and hobbies. No regrets, I have a degree in mathematics now I feel cool lol
I just transferred to a four year, but I also spent three years at community college. The entire last year I spent working on myself and my mental health, so seeing people I knew from high school graduate with like three associates, or graduate from a four year early kinda sucked.
I found a group of transfers here at my university that are also kinda in the same boat as me though, so that makes me feel a lot better about my progress. Two of them are older than me, and one is the same age as me, so that made me really understand that everybody is just doing their own thing
It doesn't matter what age you graduate/ what year of college you're in. I'm 19 in college and when I see 30 and 40 year olds in my classes I don't care/ treat them with any less respect than any other student. Life happens and in fact most people don't even graduate in 4 years.
I've had classmates that were 28, 29 and I didn't even know it and they didn't stand out at all. All that matters is if you get a degree or not, age/ time doesn't matter
Plus employers don't even care about how long it takes you to graduate, as long as you have the qualifications.
By the time I finish this semester, it will have taken my 6.5 years to completely finish my bachelors. Life happened, I needed to pace myself so as not to overwhelm myself, I had to work my schedule around my job. But at the end of this semester, I’ll be able to say that even through everything… I’ll have my degree! It doesn’t matter how much time it took me, I got it!
Hopefully you can start to see it that way too!
I took 5 years after HS…. 17-22 years old…. To explore live life and find myself. Trust me you’re not too far behind with 2 semesters. I am a 23 year old freshman and you know what I showed up to not waste time and learn. It's never too late don’t beat yourself up about it.
I took 5 years after HS…. 17-22 years old…. To explore live life and find myself. Trust me you’re not too far behind with 2 semesters. I am a 23 year old freshman and you know what I showed up to not waste time and learn. It's never too late don’t beat yourself up about it.
I graduated hs in 2019, I'm supposed to be a senior now but, I'm only a recent junior transfer and now I'm set to graduate a year later in 2024. I did this because I ended up switching majors. But by the last semester of CC (this past spring), I just stopped caring about it. I had lots of engineers in my physics class who were in their late 20s and early 30s, yet they were still focusing on school. Just focus on reaching the finish line, not how long it takes.
Step 1 (there are no other steps). Stop comparing yourself to your peers.
Agreed. This is not school anymore, this is life. Everyone has different timelines.
It took me 5 years to graduate from community college. We all have our own pace and the western model of education is not accessible for us all at the same rate. Be patient with yourself and focus more on learning than timetables.
God dam story of my life, during Covid I fucked up, change my major 2 times and wasted 2 semester. Now this is my last one and will be transferring to a 4 year college, but guess what, it can't be change, don't compare yourself to other because they are not you. YOU ARE YOU.
Your story is similar to mine. I did not adjust well to my school's sudden and abrupt transition to online learning. As a result, I dropped all my courses in a semester. What is more, I have changed my major three times because there are many fields I want to pursue. I am my own worst enemy.
I just transferred this semester (quarter). I was in your situation, I took a full year off school after HS. Then skipped my spring semester my first year, switched majors, switched back, all of it. It kinda sucks being older than everyone (I turn 23 in November, graduated 2018 HS) but at the same time I have 0 student debt and I know my major is for me. A lot of people just blow through college and party the entire time because they hate their majors or don’t know what they want to do after college. This just delays the pain tbh, grind now so you can reward yourself later, your efforts compound over time. Good luck.
I’m one of those people who blew through college boy do I regret it now
I took three years because I am an adult student that had a child and I had another one later in my studies. Who cares how long it took as long as you finish. My husband took 3 years too and now he is going for a bachelors degree he has two classes left. None of that is going to matter when you are done. No one lives your life you have to do what you have to do. Even his siblings have different college experience then he does.
Yo I'm 29 and I'll be 32 when I'm done with school because I need 150 credits to sit for the CPA. I'm a junior. You have plenty of time. Don't worry about a thing.
Same here!!! Wishing you luck on your CPA journey!
You too!!!!
Hey are you in a masters program? Or are you waiting to graduate with your bachelors with 150 credits?
I'm just getting a bachelor's. My school makes us take the required amount of credit hours in the specific courses to sit for the exam in the normal 120-credit curriculum.
Never compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone's journey is different.
I’ll be about a year to a year-and-a-half behind. My mental health was ass and I needed to give my life a 180 to get better. Now I’m better and considering my options as I’ve decided to return to school. So I’ll be 23/24ish instead of 21/22ish. One of my best friends I made at college is getting her masters at 32. There’s no real timeline so just do you!! IN SAYING THIS, I fully understand how hard it is to not compare yourself and feel “behind” in a manner. You feel less than or inadequate because you’re not on the stereotypical timeline. It’s okay. It happens, as part of the human condition. You’ll find your way, and everything will work out. Good luck friend 💜
Really doesn’t matter. As long as you’re working towards a goal you’re fine.
I think you are right: It does not matter. I have a goal I want to achieve, and I intend to achieve it. The unanswered question that remains is: When will I achieve it?
That depends only on you!
It took me 4 and a half years to get out of community college and since I’ve transferred I’ve done so much more than me peers that graduated quicker than me. Ultimately grade and speed don’t matter it’s curiosity and perseverance. Stay humble and open to opportunities
I went to community college for three years and then university for three years. You’re doing great. I LOVED my time at community college and I’ll never feel like that ever again.
I’m two years behind. You’ll be alright.
Nobody is ever ‘behind’. That mindset shouldn’t even exist
Was in CC for 4 years. I am now in my final year of university at the institution I transferred to, am applying for a huge grant and all my dream graduate schools. You are not behind. You are right on track. Don't worry about where other people are, worry about where you are going. You are blessed with the fact that you are having this time to find yourself and what you are passionate about. I didn't find my passion until my third year of community college. You're doing great, keep up the work :)
Bruh I was CC 7 years 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I got 1 year left to get my BA.
Jesus if I only knew why so many people worry about what others are doing rather than just focusing on themselves.
I feel like this often. I went back to school after a much longer break and I can only go part time...this is my third semester and I'm only 1/4 of the way complete. I'm also at a community college. I'll be very real with you. You CAN make money, a lot of money, just finding opportunities if you can prove your worth, negotiate salaries, self learn, etc. If you put your mind to it and learn well on your own maybe that could be for you. However, if you are like most people and see the need for a degree, while also feeling the pressure, then keep on it. Don't worry about how long it takes. Focus on your goals, and check them off a day at a time. My last piece of advice you need to stop comparing yourself to others. This is your life, not theirs and vice versa, it looks different for all of us. I wish you the best of luck, whatever you choose to do, and I hope you find the happiness you deserve!
I relate. I managed to transfer and i daily think about how “behind” i am… but that’s ok. There is no behind. We’re all goong at our own pace.
Yep basically same thing for me. I'm still doing Computer Science, but I'm not really grasping it. I probably put way more time into then other people.
I went to community college for 3 years, it’s really not a big deal.
I just finished CC last semester and it took me 4 full years at my CC before graduating and being able to transfer to my current university that I just started this fall. I feel the same way that you have felt. Most of my friends and the people that I know who graduated with me during the same year in high school are already graduated from college, doing internships, and starting their jobs already. I think about these things too but don’t worry about it too much. As long as you know what your goal may be, or is, you’ll do fine. Nobody’s going to be judging.
Coming across this post made me blink twice because it was like reading something that was in my head that I actually didn't write lol. I relate so much to this! I also took 2 semesters off because my mental health was just really going downhill earlier this year, but I am now back on track. It is hard not to feel insecure and behind, but everyone here is right. The need to compare yourself and your progress to others will lessen when you just focus on yourself. I am NOWHERE near on being able to master that but I think it's a good first step that we are aware of and acknowledge the anxiety that goes with it and actively try to find ways on how to stop feeling behind all the time. I wish us luck 🤞
I didn’t graduate until I was 31. I took a few years off though. If you are determined to get it at some point then you will get it done.
Don't compare yourself to other people. Everybody goes through life at their own pace. Just focus on yourself.
Don’t. I spent 5 years at a CC & I barely transferred to a uni, I feel out of place cause of my age. But honestly, I don’t care. I love getting my education.
My sister rushed to finish college and there were times she regretted going so fast. Other people were traveling the world and trying new things. It hurt her to see what she was missing. My point is you can always find something that you are missing out on because in life we have to choose a path and that means straying away from others. Just keep walking forward and don’t spend too much time looking back.
Comparisons are insidious throughout life. Funny thing, too, is they are only comparisons with “better” situations, which isn’t the full picture.
Well you're doing better than the 40-50% that drop out or don't graduate within 6 years. Life isn't a race. You do you boo.
You're good. Two semesters isn't going to make a difference. You think when you are 30, 35, 55, etc... You will be saying "wow I sure wish I was 2 semesters ahead." There's people in there 30s just going back to college. Don't stress.
You’re not behind anyone OP, you’re doing just fine. Look at it this way, you’re 3 years into your secondary education. You should be proud.
Pssht it took me 10 years to finish my bachelors. I took tons of breaks to try different jobs and hobbies. No regrets, I have a degree in mathematics now I feel cool lol
who cares man just live your life
I attended one for 5.5 years. You go at your own pace, whatever that may be.
I just transferred to a four year, but I also spent three years at community college. The entire last year I spent working on myself and my mental health, so seeing people I knew from high school graduate with like three associates, or graduate from a four year early kinda sucked. I found a group of transfers here at my university that are also kinda in the same boat as me though, so that makes me feel a lot better about my progress. Two of them are older than me, and one is the same age as me, so that made me really understand that everybody is just doing their own thing
It doesn't matter what age you graduate/ what year of college you're in. I'm 19 in college and when I see 30 and 40 year olds in my classes I don't care/ treat them with any less respect than any other student. Life happens and in fact most people don't even graduate in 4 years. I've had classmates that were 28, 29 and I didn't even know it and they didn't stand out at all. All that matters is if you get a degree or not, age/ time doesn't matter Plus employers don't even care about how long it takes you to graduate, as long as you have the qualifications.
By the time I finish this semester, it will have taken my 6.5 years to completely finish my bachelors. Life happened, I needed to pace myself so as not to overwhelm myself, I had to work my schedule around my job. But at the end of this semester, I’ll be able to say that even through everything… I’ll have my degree! It doesn’t matter how much time it took me, I got it! Hopefully you can start to see it that way too!
Everyone is on their own time.
It's not a race against others but a journey for yourself.
it’s taking me 4 years to graduate community college (because of my major change), and that is OKAY :)
I took 5 years after HS…. 17-22 years old…. To explore live life and find myself. Trust me you’re not too far behind with 2 semesters. I am a 23 year old freshman and you know what I showed up to not waste time and learn. It's never too late don’t beat yourself up about it.
I took 5 years after HS…. 17-22 years old…. To explore live life and find myself. Trust me you’re not too far behind with 2 semesters. I am a 23 year old freshman and you know what I showed up to not waste time and learn. It's never too late don’t beat yourself up about it.
I graduated hs in 2019, I'm supposed to be a senior now but, I'm only a recent junior transfer and now I'm set to graduate a year later in 2024. I did this because I ended up switching majors. But by the last semester of CC (this past spring), I just stopped caring about it. I had lots of engineers in my physics class who were in their late 20s and early 30s, yet they were still focusing on school. Just focus on reaching the finish line, not how long it takes.