Two Years Are Better Than Four, Essay Example

This fascinating editorial piece discusses how the community college system in America is the hallmark of the education system in the United States. While many people have lamented that going to college is no longer considered a rite of passage in the United States, such an intimation is false. The author argues that community college in America is the only place left here where the true college experience of self-discovery manifests. The author predicates this argument on her experiences attending two different community colleges, as she states that the guiding philosophy of community college enables students to embark on this journey of self-discovery. Community college is oriented towards students understanding and internalizing the notion that anything is possible to achieve with effort and due diligence. The contention that college does not have any contemporary currency is a fallacious one, as students who enter the community college usually enter “on empty” and exit community college, which is characterized as a “priceless springboard,” with hopes and dreams as they are prepared to attend a four year university. This hidden gem in the American public education system is the community college system despite the pejorative connotations that remain attached to it. The author’s argument makes some interesting points, although she fails to provide more evidence regarding the pros of community college in comparison to university. Nonetheless, she brings up important arguments has credence in this ongoing discussion.

This commentary would have more validity had the author included more information about the benefits of attending community college in relation to going to a university. The cost of tuition is much cheaper at community college, and financial aid packages help low-income students be able to afford education. Moreover, discussing smaller class sizes, schedule flexibility, and allowing students the latitude to explore their options regarding their major are all benefits of attending community college. Finally, the professors are qualified, and it is useful as students transition into adulthood and are not prepared for university. In addition, providing the antithesis to her point of view would have strengthened her argument. The lack of campus life, lighter workloads, students that are disengaged and uninvolved, and limited choices with regards to curriculum are all negatives. An exposition of these benefits and drawbacks would have enhanced the validity of her argument.

This commentary is engaging and holds the reader’s attention throughout through the use of personal stories, although at times the language is somewhat pedantic and difficult to follow the line of thinking. The sardonic nature of the writing is also irksome, and it would have been more effective if the language was more straightforward rather than sarcastic. Nonetheless, the author brings up an interesting topic of discussion, pointing out that all college application preparation courses, especially those aimed to help low-income students, are geared towards students going to four-year universities, and community college is never an option. The argument that going to college is the key to moving one’s life forward and developing as a person is a cogent one, especially for the underprivileged. College is not actually the preserve of the privileged, as just one placement test at a community college can help an individual embark on their college journey. There are so many community colleges peppered across the nation, as there are several in every community, and they are affordable and enable all Americans regardless of economic status, race, and gender achieve an education and pursue their dreams. This was such an interesting piece of commentary because it deconstructs pejorative perceptions of community college system and proffers a counter narrative based on personal experiences and success.