First Day at ARCC: Christensen

My first day at ARCC was in Fall '08, so please bear with me. Before moving to Minnesota I attended another School, College of Dupage, (in my hometown of Wheaton IL.) In my community COD, bragged of being one of the best community colleges of the nation but every one in nearby towns took the school for granted referring to it as "College of Dreams." My first day at Anoka Ramsey made me realize the pros and cons of that school, which in-turn made me see the pros and cons of ARCC. Upon first walking up to the ARCC I was intrigued by the fresh smell of Mississippi behind the School as well as the vines that seemed to swallow the building whole. However, once inside I began to realize that this school was going to be alot different then COD. My first day of Classes I was attending Concert Choir, History of Rock and Roll, and International Literature, (I was also enrolled in history of Britain during the Middle Ages, but that class was only on Tuesday and Thursday.) I was a very active participant in the music department at our high school and choir is one of my passions. The first impression I got from the concert choir was outstanding, our director reminded me of one of my best friends (who coincidentally is majoring in music/teaching) and the most of the class had very impressive sight-reading skills, which is a huge obstacle that can slow down many a good choir. We were singing Vivaldi, it was awesome. I will never forget the next class, which happened to be in the same room (something I would have to get used to) History of Rock and Roll, this class was available at my high school, but I never got a chance to take it, so I jumped at the opportunity when seeing it was offered at ARCC. The best thing about this class was how much I learned in one day, I remember on the first day, one of the students in the class asked the professor what he thought the best rock and roll song of all time was, he simply turned to the massive stereo system and turned on "Sherry" by Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons. Since that day I have not only loved the Frankie, but I've been dying to see Jersey Boys. After that class I had a couple hours to explore the school, and like I said earlier I soon appreciated each different Community College. I don't know for sure how many people attended COD, but I know that the massiveness of it made it seem more like a business then a school. ARCC is much smaller then my old school, which at times can be very frustrating, (like waiting in line for the book store, or trying to find classes that fit my schedule) but the fact that it's small is what makes it great. This school is much more of a Community then a business and it is much easier to become personable with the students and faculty that work here then at a bigger school. Knowing familiar faces at the book store, financial aid offices, business offices ect., helped me to feel comfortable and welcome, and every time I walk into the school, I know that every one is on my side.