Columbia College

Professor Ted Hamilton (history, political science, geography) and Dr. Paula Clarke (anthropology) make going to this school worth EVERYTHING. They are truly inspiring and life-​transforming.
I would venture to call Columbia College THE most beautiful community college in California. Located in the Yosemite Community College District, attending a class here feels like going on a hike in a regional or national park.
I can understand that the remote rural location (the nearest small town: Sonora) and the lack of diversity might be a problem for some; it was a problem for me back then… San Francisco is 3 hours away! SF = hippies, diversity, progressive liberals, urban and fun. Here = pick-​up trucks, bikers and trailers. However, in here, you wake up among pines, aspens, redwoods, sequoias… you walk around that incredibly beautiful lake every single day. Air is fresh and hiking trails are all around. You just don’t get this in a city. I’m still glad that I made the choice of spending 1.5 years of my youth in this beautiful school!