The Hillsborough Community College, November 15, deadline to apply for fall graduation is approaching, and some students will begin preparing for their next step in life.

  HCC is a two year academic institution designed to educate students to become leaders of the future. Most community colleges offer students a course of study, mainly focused on two-year, transferable degrees. According to Education.com, the majority of degrees provided by community colleges are associates in arts (AA), associates in science (AS), vocational and technical training, which are options that most four-year academic institutions don’t offer students.

  The benefits of attending and graduating from a community college outweighs attending a traditional university fresh out of high school. The best part about graduating from a community college is being able to walk away with a degree after only two years. A traditional four year institution does not provide its students with any type degree or recognition until after the completion of the degree. The road to completing a two-year degree can be discouraging enough but at least when students of a two-year academic institution apply for jobs after graduation, they can say “Yes, I do have a degree!”

  The journey to earning a diploma comes with a high level of responsibility, dedication and self-discipline. A typical semester consists of restless nights, stressful mornings, all while attempting to learn the meaning of time management. For the majority of students, the academic road to success doesn’t come easy. Balancing one’s day to day responsibilities, along with a demanding school schedule can easily discourage anyone from completing his or her degree.

  When asked what he would say to a student who is losing hope and is on the verge on dropping out of college, Damon Arnold, the Ybor campus, Student Government Association president, stated “In today’s society, even if school is not for you, it’s something you should still do because 9 times out of 10, it’s going to get you further in life than not having a degree.”

  The high level of stress triggered by a demanding school schedule can be enough to cause students to lose motivation or develop a lack of interest in their academics.

  Arnold admits that even as an accomplished SGA president for the HCC Ybor campus, his academics can become overwhelming and stressful at times. “Other than academics, involvement in the extra-curricular activities is what draws students back to campus… it will keep you accountable for your grades and actions,” he adds.

  Every student has a different story. The reason why students attend college in the first place, is to better themselves or accomplish more in life. During the discouraging seasons of each semester, students should allow the initial reason why they chose to enroll to be the driving force gearing them all the way to graduation day.