It’s the third day of Bloganuary, and today’s prompt is: “What colleges have you attended?” Let’s dive in!

College is the most incredible educational opportunity a person can have because it exposes them to fields of study they otherwise wouldn’t know, not to mention people from hundreds of different countries. It’s a time to mature, discover oneself, and enjoy the educational journey.

Many people will tell you tuition is too expensive and a college degree isn’t worth what it used to be. They aren’t wrong. But college should never be viewed purely as a vehicle for a career. Yes, one should study a field that applies to various forms of employment. However, the primary purpose should be to learn and grow.

I grew and learned at Temple University, where I attained a BA and MS in communications. Sociology was my minor as an undergraduate student, and I loved it. Taking courses about human sexuality, sociology and sports, gender studies, and race and ethnicity rocked my world. They widened my view in a way I didn’t expect.

I worked for several years between degrees, and I paid my way to get my master’s degree. I only took the number of courses I could afford. If that meant I only took one class a semester, so be it. I graduated with honors and zero debt.

I returned to Temple’s campus in 2019 as an adjunct professor, which was a tremendous honor. Since then, I’ve taught at Drexel University and Villanova University. Being a professor is a calling I don’t take lightly. I learn just as much from my students as they do from my curriculum. That’s the beauty of college: if you approach it with an open mind, it’s an endless circle of enlightenment.