It was 100 degrees Fahrenheit and sweat streamed down my face as I frantically ran from a neighborhood hidden behind Fresno City College to the OAB. It was my first day of college, and I was already 15 minutes late.

Breathing heavily, I burst into class to find a group of students writing in silence. Forty pairs of eyes met mine as I tried to sneak into class — my clothes were drenched and my face was flushed from both the August heat and sprinting across campus.

I hurried to the back of the room and quietly took a seat on the floor. Not only was I late to my first college class, but my professor had to excuse himself to bring me a chair. I felt embarrassed.

Completely mortified, I kept to myself for the remaining hour.

My first day at FCC was a living hell to say the least, but as I reminisce on that horrific morning, I can’t help but fall into a state of nostalgia.

While all good things must eventually end, I refuse to abandon that memory; the nerves, my knotted stomach and the sweat that poured down my face — all comfort me as I prepare to say goodbye to FCC and hello to the next chapter of my life.

I didn’t want to go to community college, or so I had convinced myself. At 18 years old, I had glamorized the freshman experience of cramped dorms and rushing sororities, prioritizing my social life over my future.

In the midst of college application deadlines, I felt obligated to leave; I had succumbed to peer pressure. To be honest, I had very little idea of what I really wanted. I was determined to leave just as my fellow classmates were planning to do because it appeared to be the “thing” to do.

I applied to four colleges blindly — as though I had picked them out of a hat — all completely obscure and holding very little significance in my life. While my parents had always made college a priority, they never emphasised the importance of going to a specific school.

My colleges of choice were based solely on location rather than any expertise in my field of study because I was certain that staying home for two years was a detriment to my growth as an individual.

In addition to those universities though, I applied to Fresno City’s Leon S. Peters Honors Program. I was adamant about not staying home, but I applied as a backup, for reassurance and security.

While I feared resenting both myself and my family if I chose to stay home, I accepted my admission into the Honors Program here at FCC.

Come next week, I will have bid farewell to FCC. While I am extremely fortunate to have as many opportunities in my near future as I do, I am much more saddened by leaving than I could have imagined.

Had I not attended FCC, I am certain I would not be as successful as I am today. Not only did the Honors Program transform my perspective about community college and instill confidence in me as a student, but it also forced me to challenge and discipline myself.

In addition to being a member of the Honors Program, I insinuated myself into the college newspaper. I attended workshops, joined the production team on nights preceding the distribution of the paper and forced myself out of my comfort zone.

While I was extremely uncomfortable with putting myself out there, our adviser saw my potential for success and inspired me as a writer.

I was asked to write one story for the paper last semester; today I am the opinions editor for the Rampage. Of all my accomplishments within these last two years, being designated editor is the feat of which I am most proud.

Come next fall, I will be a San Francisco State Gator. I am incredibly nervous to venture into an unfamiliar city on my own, but I am confident in myself as both a student and a writer.

I am disappointed to leave the friends who have forged into my second family, but I know it is time to say my goodbyes. Although occasionally uncomfortable throughout my four semesters here, I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience.

I don’t know what I am going to do when I grow up. While I would like to say I have a plan, I don’t, but I’m not ashamed.

Whether it was through the Honors Program or writing for the Rampage, I found myself and I couldn’t be happier for making the decision to stay home.

To those students who feel lost or fear that community college is a mistake just as I once did, I assure everyone that going to Fresno City College is the best decision one can make.

I bid farewell, but my experience here will forever hold a special place in my heart.