CCBC Graduate, Communications, '23
CCBC in three words: rewarding, affordable and flexible.
When Charlotte Connelly was in high school, she didn’t even know if she wanted to go to college. She decided to give it a try and enroll at CCBC because it was close to home, flexible and affordable.
“I also knew that CCBC was the best option for me because I had no clue what I wanted to do,” said Connelly. “There are so many things offered and so many opportunities for everyone.”
After taking a Communications class in her first semester, she found her passion – and her major. She feels that communication skills can be used in a wide variety of fields, allowing her to keep her options open.
Connelly, who lives in Catonsville, receives financial aid to attend CCBC so she can focus more on her studies and less on how to pay for college.
“A four-year school would have been so expensive,” she said. “There is relief and a weight lifted off my shoulders because I can make school my number one priority.”
She loves CCBC’s flexibility, which allows her to take a combination of online and on-campus classes that fit her busy lifestyle.
“I’m able to work two jobs, go to the gym and hang out with my friends and family while still taking five courses,” she said. “I love that I can balance everything I need to while still being able to have time for my classes.”
Connelly wanted to get more involved with CCBC, so she was excited when she was selected as one of CCBC’s Fresh Faces. Being on the team has enabled her to meet new friends, learn new skills and take her love of social media to a new level to help share CCBC with others.
I think community college is a great decision. It allows you to be able to go to school and be close to home so you can dip your toe into college instead of moving away and diving all the way in.
Connelly encourages students to take advantage of all the resources that are available at CCBC, such as math office hours, tutoring, advising and the library.
“CCBC is an amazing place, and it prepares people for the real world or to transfer to four-year schools,” she said. “I am so glad I experienced CCBC first. I feel like I will be ready to transfer because of all that CCBC has taught me.”
After earning her associate degree at CCBC, Connelly transferred to her dream school, University of Maryland, College Park to pursue a bachelor's degree in communications.