Friday, May 4, 2012

Tara's Thoughts


Final thoughts…
Yesterday I went to my transfer school to set up my schedule for the fall, and while I’m super pumped to take this next step, I’m missing Corning already. A new place, with new professors, and new peers, and like every other decision in my life, I’m taking a step back and wondering if I’m making the right choice.
When I first signed up for classes at Corning, I didn’t really want to be here, and I had no idea I’d feel so at home, once I was here. I’ve been delightfully surprised at the courses that have challenged me in both academic and personal realms.
However, my most rewarding experience at Corning Community College was my job in the Admissions office, which I’m the most sad to leave. I’ve never been a realist when it comes to obtaining employment; I’m not of the school of thought that a job is a job, as long as it pays the bills, and there’s something to be said about a person who has passion for what they do. [The world would be a much better place if everyone liked what they did for a living!] As impractical as it sounds, my motivation for working has very little to do with money, and more to do with whether or not the job will be satisfying in itself.
I have always told myself that what makes a higher education so rewarding is that it allows you the luxury of choosing a career that will make you happy and pay the bills. Well, being an Ambassador doesn’t exactly pay the bills, but it has made me happy, and has opened some doors for me. I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons, and made connections with people, that I am grateful to have met.
Part of the reason I have some of this uncertainty about leaving Corning is the fear that my next adventure won’t be everything I’ve built it up to be. I wasn’t crazy about the idea of coming to CCC, because I didn’t know what it had in store for me; it was a happy surprise when I came to realize just how wonderful a community it is here. I can only hope that my transfer experience proves to be just as outstanding.