When I first decided to attend a community college, my biggest worry was the fear of missing out (FOMO). The idea that community colleges are dead schools and that people just come for their classes and go home is a common stereotype most people have when referring to the sociality of community colleges. When I decided to attend a community college over a university, I was uneasy and anxious that I would miss out on part of the college social experience everyone talks about. Community college students face a unique form of FOMO because we aren’t participating in large campus events or extracurriculars like our peers at four-year universities. The truth is, many community colleges also have these sorts of extracurriculars and campus events; they just aren’t given as much recognition as a four-year university event would. The trick is to look through your school website and social media pages for any news on what’s to come at your school.
When we experience FOMO, is it truly about missing out, or is it more about personal expectations or societal pressure? When I’m on social media and see my friends at four-year universities posting about their campus life, I see only a small fraction of their lives. Sure, I’ll see posts about parties, huge events, and happy social circles but we all, including myself, only like to post our happiest memories on social media. Social media only shows a curated idealized world that doesn’t show the full picture. The pressure to meet certain social milestones like making tons of friends, attending every event, or partying is not only societal, but can also come from within. Some students might feel like they “should” be doing more to fit into these idealized versions of what “college life” is supposed to be.
Although FOMO initially got to me, it opened up a new perspective and new opportunities on campus. This fear of missing out drove me to search within my campus to see what activities and programs were available. I could have just gone to class and gone straight home, but I knew if I took that route, then I wouldn’t feel complete. I’ve always been someone who likes to meet new people and connect with others. Discovering these events has inspired me to create similar opportunities for others on campus.
Since starting my first semester at Pasadena City College (PCC), it’s been nothing but fun and full of community building, from the clubs to the activities to the programs, I’ve found myself constantly meeting new people and connecting with others. PCC hosts events every week, organized by various programs, clubs, and the college itself. These events keep the campus and community alive, consistently providing a source of entertainment and a place for numerous people to socialize.
When I became a PCC student, one of my main goals was to change the way community colleges are viewed: they are vibrant communities where students can connect with others who share their experiences. I want to create an environment where students feel supported, know they aren’t being left out, and make an experience of their own. These ideas and principles motivate me to involve myself in the school by being a part of student government. Through student government, we host school-wide events and promote activities organized by various programs and clubs. Our goal is to bring communities together and destigmatize the idea that community colleges are socially inactive. I knew I’d be fit for student government as I’m also working on changing my perspective.
Now that I am nearing the end of my first semester at PCC, I’ve realized just how much PCC has to offer beyond just a classroom. At first, I was overwhelmed by FOMO, seeing how others portrayed their college lives. Over time, I’ve learned to reshape that feeling. Instead of letting it push me to the sidelines, I used it as a motivation to get involved, explore new opportunities, and connect with people who share similar interests. What I’ve learned is that the college experience is unique for every student. At PCC, the social experience may look different from larger universities, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. I’ve found my way to connect with others and it’s made me discover the college experience isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you create! Whether it is through a club, event, or just by reaching out to others, your journey is made under your power. Don’t let FOMO hold you back; instead, use it as a spark to build the kind of community you want to see at your school. If something is missing, take the initiative to create it. Community college may not always offer the traditional ‘college experience’ you see in films, but it’s an opportunity for you to make your experience truly your own. If you look for ways to get involved and be part of something bigger, you’ll find that your time at community college can be just as rewarding as anywhere else.
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Eddie graduated from Marshall Fundamental in 2024. He is currently a first-year business administration major at Pasadena City College (PCC) He serves on the Associated Students of Pasadena City College (ASPCC) Public Relations Committee, aiming to destigmatize the stereotypes surrounding community colleges. Eddie became involved with CAP during his senior year when he connected with advisors who helped him navigate the college application process, secure scholarships, and find the best pathway to higher education. Eddie’s experiences as a first-generation, low-income college student motivate him to help students who are in the same boat as him. As a CAP Student Advisory Council member, Eddie looks forward to making others feel comfortable in their own transition to college, offering relatable insights and support as a fellow student.
