Every student has a different background, story and pathway. Those who graduated from high school and immediately attended a four-year university typically have their educational goals figured out. Those of us here at Santa Rosa Junior College often have many interesting stories about why we are here.

I am one of those students who started in junior college because I did not know what I wanted to major in. I had an amazing opportunity to move to Southern California and live with my grandparents while attending Palomar College in San Marcos. It has been my greatest decision since graduating high school and I encourage everyone to take any chance they have to live in a different place.

I enjoyed my time at Palomar, but after a year I had to find a new place to live since my grandparents wanted to move. My mother moved down and we got an apartment together. Soon, financial issues arose and getting through my classes became more difficult because of all the stress.

Eventually, I had to come to the heartbreaking decision to move back to Sonoma County in order to stay in school. Like most community college students, I was trying my best to get an associates degree in two years and transfer to a four-year college. With the stress and financial struggles, that goal was quickly pushed back.

I moved back home during the winter break of 2015, which meant the SRJC counselor’s office was not available until the New Year. This was a huge setback for me and I was becoming emotionally exhausted. That spring I only could get one class because most courses were already full.

Finally after deciding on a major, I spent the summer in Southern California with a friend, and took two online classes at Palomar that counted towards my major.

Next, as I got ready for the SRJC fall semester, a counselor told me that with my remaining classes, I still had two more years to go. I did not want to believe it and took on the challenge of 14 units for Fall 2016. Then, I was told I only had one more class for my major and two more general education classes.

I successfully finished that fall semester and spoke with another counselor. She told me I had two more classes for my major, which is not what the previous counselor told me. Frustrated, I still tried to be optimistic and stay motivated. I was ready to apply to CSUs while I nervously hoped that what the last counselor told me was correct and I would be ready to transfer.

Now I am waiting for the results from three colleges, trying not to worry about my future too much and hoping there are no more setbacks.

I never knew I would have to go through these challenges because I initially thought being a community college student wasn’t going to be as intense as it was for a university student. For those who are going through something and still want to continue their education, try to enjoy this time no matter how long it takes.

If you have the time, and you enjoy learning, take at least one class that you’ve always wanted to. One thing I wish I had the chance to do is take art classes because art is something I love. I always believed I shouldn’t pursue a career in it, but it may benefit me in the long run. I plan on taking some after earning my bachelor’s degree. I know that each of us has a different story, so I hope all of you keep pushing yourself and strive for your future—but enjoy the present in the meantime.