The shortest two years of my life. Those are the words that initially come to mind when I reflect on my time at Sinclair. Admittedly, back in 2022 when I was filling out college applications, a community college seemed the least appealing option because all my friends were going to live in dorms hours away from home. I, however, was going across the street, and somehow I felt that this would put a stain on my “college experience” (whatever I thought that meant at the time).
Fortunately, my time at Sinclair was more than I could’ve ever asked for. I made important relationships with peers and faculty, met incredible people doing incredible things, and had the opportunity to reflect about what I want out of life and who I aim to be in the future. I probably couldn’t have done much of that from the comfortable bubble of an overpriced dorm.
“You get to meet a lot of people from across the world, plus it’s a ‘community’ college, so it’s not like a university where a bunch of kids are just trying to finish their college classes.”
– Nikki Huber
Now, I invite you to stop for a moment, to not think about tomorrow or what’s to come after graduation. Rather, go back in time for a second. Did you have a favorite class? Was there a particular semester that stood out to you? Who did you meet? What did you learn?
The Clarion spoke with Nikki Huber, a Liberal Arts major who is set to graduate in May.
“A good memory was a field trip where I toured the Appalachian areas. Everyone was super sweet and welcoming, and it was a good learning experience,” she said.
She added that her favorite thing about Sinclair was the community.
“You get to meet a lot of people from across the world, plus it’s a ‘community’ college, so it’s not like a university where a bunch of kids are just trying to finish their college classes,” she said.
Certainly, we are all trying to finish our classes in order to reach some sort of goal. But the community-focused nature of Sinclair is quite difficult to overlook, which, for Huber and I, makes the memories stand out.
One of my favorite aspects of Sinclair is the fact that you are in classes with people of all different ages and backgrounds. Having conversations with international students, getting the chance to learn with and from people who are three times your age, among many other things, are what I really love about the community here.
Sinclair graduates aren’t the only one’s donning a cap and gown this May. High school seniors also look forward to the important transition. Sinclair’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program gives these students the chance to get a head start and introduce them to the campus.
Benjamin Treadwell, a CCP student, who looks forward to pursuing a degree in English out of state in the fall, had this to say about Sinclair:
“The faculty have done a good job helping me learn, and want to learn, and the CCP program has been helpful in getting some gen-eds out of the way, so when I go on to university I can focus on my major. It has helped me develop my critical thinking and writing skills.”
Treadwell added, “I managed to find one of my friends from youth group on campus, and we’ve seen each other around.”
Not only is the community of Sinclair a great place to make new friends, it is also a great environment to stay in touch with old ones. For me, it was as simple as a smile, and initiating a conversation that led to friendships I expect will last a lifetime.
I feel now more than ever that a new chapter is among us graduates. I know it’s a cliche to compare life to chapters in a book, but regardless of where we are in life at this very moment… our stories are just beginning.
(Featured image from Canva)
Written by Macey Heys, Managing Editor