Community college is here for us

After graduating from Bishop O’Dowd High School in the spring of 2014, I enrolled at Merritt College in hopes of saving money and buying time to find a career I would enjoy.

Like many young students I had no idea what I wanted to do in life but community college made me realize there is no need to rush. The Peralta Community College system has helped me make education my foundation for tomorrow. I have suffered hardship during these three years such as the loss of my mother, brother and my childhood home.

If I had attended a state college or a UC campus straight out of high school, I do not feel I would have felt comfortable enough to take some much-needed time away from school.

I am a semester away from graduating with an associates degree and I am glad community colleges like Laney and Merritt helped me along the way.
Khari Marshall
Media Studies

Everything is running smoothly

As a continuing Laney student, I am used to running into problems at the beginning of the semester. I am pleased to find that this fall, everything seems to be going very well.

The students I have spoken to seem excited about their classes. The instructors seem eager and energized. Support staff around the campus have been friendly and helpful. Parking permits were even available at the beginning of the semester. The bathrooms have been well-maintained so far.

There even seems to have been less switching around of classrooms after the semester started. All in all, I think it has been a great start to the semester. Let’s try to keep up this positive energy throughout the semester.
Bonnie Oviatt
Labor Studies