Finding Your Footing at Community College

“I’m going to community college.”

Maybe some thoughts you’re having include things like:

• “I’ll never be able to transfer.”

If these thoughts sound familiar, it’s okay. It’s normal to feel nervous, frustrated, or unsure of what the next steps may be. I’ve been there, and I understand how daunting this transition can be. Recognizing these thoughts is the first step, and that’s where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can come into the picture. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps teach us that while we can’t always control our initial reactions, we can learn to examine, challenge, and reframe them in ways that help us move forward with confidence.

Taking a look at some of the thoughts you might be having, let’s find ways to reframe the negative into the positive. For example:

• Another common fear among CC students is: “I’ll never be able to transfer to a four-year university.” Well, what if instead we say: “Transferring is a process, and there are people and programs available to help me.”

Take Care of Yourself

• “I am working hard and I am making progress towards my goal”
• “I will end up in the same place as everyone else.”

Making sure that we are kind to ourselves in college, and especially at community college, is so important. We are our biggest cheerleader, and we have to make sure that we take care of our mental health just as much as our physical bodies.

Community college is not a setback; it’s not a school for “dumb kids”, and it’s not a bad spot to be. It’s a stepping stone to the next chapter of your higher education. Using cognitive behavioral tools, you can navigate challenges, help to manage self-doubt that may creep in, and also build your confidence and create your own path! Being able to recognize negative thoughts and change your mindset can make a huge difference in how you tackle adversity and deal with challenges.