Students Who Fail Often Blame System

Re: “Voices of Disillusionment: Community College Dropouts Complain of Closed Courses, Little Direction” (Nov. 16).

I have been a student at Los Angeles Pierce College since fall 1991. I dropped out of high school after 10th grade. When I came to Pierce, I hadn’t completed any math, English or social sciences, so I had to start at square one.

I have made a total commitment to getting my education, and my reward will be a lifetime of success. The community college system has given me opportunity and hope for my future. Unfortunately, many community college students lack the necessary commitment to complete their education.

Students who fail often blame the system. It is easy for them to criticize the district, rather than get involved and make a difference. I am one of a few students who has gotten involved enough to work toward changing the system. I have found the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, but they do turn.

In the article it was stated that enrollment has declined by nearly 20,000 students in the L.A. Community College District the last five years. Part of this number was because of the “differential fee” charged to people with graduate degrees. They were being charged $50 per unit. Pierce College alone lost 1,000 to 1,200 students when this fee was implemented. I am happy that this fee will no longer be charged, starting this spring.

Last, tuition is currently $13 per unit. I have trouble finding money to pay for this myself, but it is a bargain compared to other states in our country. I will graduate with my AA degree this spring and transfer to a university next fall. One of the most important things I have learned is that my education has cost me plenty. However, my education is worth every penny. Ignorance is free, there is plenty of it to go around . . . and it’s everywhere!

JOSH CROOK

Woodland Hills

Crook is president of the Associated Students Organization at Los Angeles Pierce College.