Firstly, I wouldn't have met the network of friends that I did.

Secondly, I don't think I would have went as well in my studies.

Going from high school to college is a big deal for any Launceston 16-year-old in public education. 

Do you go to Launceston College or Newstead? It's a hard toss up, but fun to decide.

But in the next decade, that choice will be even harder.

By 2024 the Liberals want all schools across the state to extend to year 12 - with 21 high schools to be extended over the next four years at a cost of $51 million. 

It's a great idea for regional schools, with remote students no longer having to travel long distances or be forced to rent or board in town.

It will also improve the fact that only 14 per cent of boys in rural areas finish grade 12.

But for city students, it's a waste.

What is the point of extending all high schools, employing new teachers at them all, upgrading infrastructure, yet still keeping colleges open?

It's a waste of resources and will mean areas, like the college's performing arts programs, may no longer be as strong, due to diminishing numbers of students.

We should either keep colleges or extend high schools, not both.

To me, colleges should win.

They are a great environment to set up you for the real world: you call most teachers by their first names, there are no uniforms or school bells, and if you do something wrong, there's no detentions, it's out the door. 

The money planned to extend city high schools could be better spent creating transition programs to get students ready for the change.

Things like more orientation days, exams at all schools in year 10, and more mentoring and support for college students.

Let's not waste the little money the state has, or it will just be another repeat of the Tasmanian Polytechnic and the Academy - and we all know how that ended.