Humans of Chaffey: Justine Garcia
By Chayse Larsen
Justine Garcia, 20, an English major in her third year at Chaffey College, represents a large share of the school’s students who chose community college for financial, academic or personal reasons.
Alongside the many benefits that come with community college, Garcia has also experienced many challenges -- the stresses of balancing a part time job, academic goals and transfer plans. But beneath those challenges lies another -- the persistent feeling of being academically “behind” her peers who attend 4 year universities straight from high school.
When Garcia graduated from Etiwanda High School in 2023, she felt lost, unaware of what was to come with this next chapter.
“I wasn't sure of what I wanted to major in, or what my options were as far as college," she said. “I didn't feel prepared to go straight to a university so Chaffey felt to be the best fit.”
The comparisons began her senior year, when college decisions were released. As friends posted acceptance letters, shopped for dorm supplies and planned their moves away, Garcia found herself slipping into the mindset that she was somehow falling behind her peers.
“I knew Chaffey was the right choice for me, but I couldn’t help feeling like I was being left while everyone I knew was moving on with their life," she explained. “It felt like everyone was moving faster than me."
These feelings were often reinforced by peers. Garcia recalled comments from her coworkers that often left her questioning her path.
“I’ve had some peers, like coworkers of mine, who have made comments that were sometimes rude or condescending, like asking if I’m ever going to go to ‘real college’," she explained. “While I can recognize that these were just jokes, it still stuck with me for a long time, and caused me to wonder if I made the right choice.”
Her experience reflects a broader stigma that many community college students face. There is an assumption that their education is a second choice, and ultimately inferior compared to those who attend 4 year universities. Though students at community colleges often juggle similar workloads, responsibilities and commutes, they still encounter misconceptions of their academic ability. For students like Garcia, these perceptions formed significant emotional barriers.
When talking with classmates, Garcia realized she was not alone.
“I think many of my classmates try to pretend that they feel confident in their decisions all the time, but I think the truth is outside pressures definitely have an effect on everyone," she explained. “It’s comforting to know many feel the same way I do.”
Now preparing to transfer to Cal State Northridge in the spring, Gracia believes that her time at Chaffey has strengthened her academic skills and helped clarify her long term goals. Though she entered Chaffey unsure of her academic plan, she will leave with momentum toward earning a bachelor’s degree in English.
“While there still are moments where I compare myself and my progress to others, I can recognize now that everyone's on their own timeline. I’m moving at my own pace and I think that's okay.”