Holyoke Community College

Date: May 22 2011
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I was honestly disappointed and surprised by all the negative comments about HCC. First off it?s a community college so obviously don?t go in expecting a stereotypical college party life or to come out with a revered world-class degree. However I have greatly enjoyed my time at HCC and straight out of high school I feel it has really given me the chance to grow both academically and as a person. All of the factuality I?ve had have been nothing but kind, helpful, intelligent, and passionate. Some were definitely untraditional but as far as I?m concerned that is a good thing. Many were teaching previously or simultaneously at other (more expensive) schools in the area like Western New England College.. The students here are very nice as well. You?re not very likely to make any lifelong friends, but everyone in all my classes have been really really nice, respectful, funny, and easy to get along with. Most students here have far more responsibilities than the average college students you?d find at major universities (many work part or full time and/or have children) but that?s just a dose of real life. I haven?t noticed many cliques and the population is very diverse and everyone is respected. The campus isn?t too bad on the outside and it?s decorated with bright flowers (which backfire and cause a ton of bees in the spring time.) The classrooms are pretty ugly to say the least and some don?t even have windows but it doesn?t matter where you learn, as long as you?re learning. There are many on campus clubs, activities, and meetings if you look for them. There are also a lot of resources to help people with learning disabilities, trouble in certain subjects, those in need of tutoring, etc. If you?re mature and really concerned about the ?high school? feel the campus can give off then I suggest taking night classes. They attract more of an adult crowd. Most morning classes are filled with young students who are still on a high school, 8am-2pm, schedule. But overall, I highly recommend HCC to anyone, weather they?ve just obtained their HS diploma/GED, if they are looking to broaden their horizons, or even if they are interested in perusing a new career path that they feel will be more fulfilling. Regardless, it?s a great school and I wouldn?t trade the time I?ve spent here for anything. I?ve never been happier :)