Thanks for the learning: time to spread my wings

I can remember it like it was yesterday: there I was at the ripe age of 16 sitting doe-eyed outside my very first class at Citrus College more than an hour early.

Fast-forward three and half years and I get teary-eyed at the thought that I am counting down my last few weeks here.

Citrus has opened up opportunities for me that my eleventh grade self could never have imagined.

Before I started taking classes at Citrus, I felt ashamed that I was attending a community college.

Unfortunately, community colleges are looked at as a step down from a four-year university, but I quickly learned that this stereotype is simply not true.

Citrus is full of faculty and staff who are more than ready to assist students in any way possible. Professors are at our disposal. Counselors answer all of our emails. Staff members ensure that we have completed all the steps needed to graduate or transfer.

We are encouraged to take elective classes to explore possible careers and "find ourselves."

Because I was homeschooled all four years of high school, I had never written for a student publication until I joined the Citrus College Clarion and was brought on as the arts and entertainment editor.

In spring 2011, I was hired as editor in chief by a professional advisory board and in fall 2011 I was rehired.

I often sit back and reflect. If I had not taken advantage of the opportunities Citrus affords its students, these events in my life would not have been possible.

As I was growing up, I was taught to put others' needs before my own.

I hope I have accomplished that during my time as editor in chief by providing students, faculty and staff with news, entertainment and opinions.

In spring 2012, I will be transferring to Arizona State University to study at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Graduates from the student publications program at Citrus College have a motto: "Clarion for life."

However, not only will it prove difficult to leave my home and newsroom, but also it will be a bittersweet uprooting myself from the Citrus College community.

I came here as a teen and leave as an adult, ready—and a little nervous—to face the world, thanks to the nurturing community of Citrus College.