I’ll admit something up front: I’m not the world’s biggest football fan. I understand the basics, but you won’t find me breaking down game film on a Monday morning.
Even so, earlier this winter — when football conversations seemed to pop up everywhere — I kept hearing a simple phrase: “Go for Two.”
The Super Bowl is now in the rearview mirror and the football season has quieted down, but that phrase has stuck with me. Not because of the game itself, but because of what it represents.
In football, “going for two” is a choice. After a touchdown, a team can take the routine extra point — or make a more intentional decision to pursue something that may yield a greater return. It requires focus, preparation and confidence.
The first time I heard that phrase, my immediate thought was this: What a fitting message for a community college.
At Washtenaw Community College, “Go for Two” reflects the power of a two-year degree — and the doors it can open.
For many of our students, going for two means completing an associate degree or certificate and heading directly into the workforce.
In fields like nursing, advanced manufacturing, information technology, cybersecurity, automotive technology and skilled trades, just two years of study can lead to a high-demand, high-wage career.
Through apprenticeships, fast track job training and partnerships with local employers, our students are not just earning credentials — they are building futures.
For others, “Going for Two” is the first step in a longer academic journey. Students complete foundational coursework at WCC, benefiting from smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty and significant cost savings. Then they transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree and beyond.
What I appreciate most about this message is its flexibility. “Go for Two” doesn’t describe a single play. It reflects the idea that progress is possible in focused, achievable steps. It means you have options.
It means you can choose the path that fits your life, your goals and your timeline.
Some students come to us right after high school. Others are working adults looking to reskill in a rapidly changing economy. Some are exploring their interests for the first time.
Community colleges were built for this moment, when affordability, adaptability and workforce alignment matter more than ever.
At WCC, we remain committed to open access, student support and programs that respond to real workforce needs in Washtenaw County and beyond.
So while football season may be over, the idea behind that phrase still resonates. When it comes to opportunity, advancement and building a stronger community, I will always encourage students to “Go for Two.”
Because, sometimes, the most obvious choice is also the smartest one.