Community Colleges

* Thank you for “Education That Defies Its Second-Rate Image” (June 16). Thirty years ago I decided to complete my lower-division work at Pasadena City College (also known as UCCB, the University of California at Colorado Boulevard). My professors were equal to or better than those I encountered at my four-year school; they were dedicated teachers, not teacher assistants, who knew us by name and always had time if we needed help.

Community college students are busy with classes, jobs and volunteer work. They have their own circles of friends and do not need a college dorm to create a social life. This comes rent-free, since most live at home. They have the daily opportunity to seek advice from their parents. This situation is ideal, since it creates a natural, not abrupt, transition to independence.

JUDITH M. SEKI

San Gabriel

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My experience as a student at Santa Monica College has been nothing but positive. I have been blessed with fantastic professors who are actually there to teach. Class sizes are small. I have an acceptance letter from UCLA for the fall of 2000. I pity those who would pass up the chance for an education like I received at SMC, simply because of the perceived image of a community college.

RANDY BARNES

Los Angeles

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An AA degree from Valley College or an MBA from USC: It really doesn’t matter what you get or where you go, but what you do once you’re out.

KAREN AXELROD

Redondo Beach