Two Years Are Better Than Four
The word, ‘college’ can sound very intimidating and scary for some high school students. It can also be challenging for some students when deciding on what college to go to after high school. A lot of students tend to aim for four-year universities because it sounds better, pressure from parents, or that’s just their preference. I was raised to do well in school and my parents pressured me to go to a four-year college. From my personal experience and observations, people tend to look down on community colleges. Most people think you will not get a high paying job or a career if you go to a two-year institution, and I was once guilty of that. But after going to San Jose State University and reading an article, Two Years Are Better Than Four, by Liz Addison, I beg to differ. As Liz Addison addresses the importance of community colleges in a positive concern and how it is “America’s hidden public service gem,” she makes a great point when she states that community college “unconditionally allows its students to begin” (Addison).
In the article, Addison introduces Rick Perlstein and uses his opposing view to emphasize the value of community college. Perlstein says that college no longer holds importance and it doesn’t matter anymore. On the other hand, Addison argues community college is a very useful tool in society and it allows students and opportunity to begin. In high school, I always thought community colleges were for students who had bad grades or just wanted to stay home. I didn’t see it as an institution to help students begin. After reading, Addison’s article, she really changed my perspective on community college and I wish I’d read this article before I applied to four-year colleges. There was a section in Addison’s paper that stood out to me when she says “Just follow any of the 1,1655 road signs, and pop your head inside – yes, they let anyone in – and there you will find discoveries of a first independent film,...