(May 16, 2000) — Why does everyone seem to avoid or even shun the idea of a community college? Perhaps it’s because of all the myths shrouded behind the name “community college.” They are for the less successful, for old people who need to go back to school and they don’t hold the same atmosphere as a university. Are any of these myths sensible or existent, though? I believe most of them are. Community colleges have many advantages: smaller classes, generally good programs, and an opportunity to take general education classes you would be required to take in a university. Also, cost is determined by units, which makes attending a community college much less. However, few resources support funding for community colleges, and the downfall begins here. Many community colleges have adequate if not good facilities, but it depends on what community college you attend. Community colleges also emphasize training more than certification. So to those of us who have earned great grades and saved up the money for our future, we should strive for what is best and what we have earned, and in such a case top universities would be the first applications I would fill out and mail. Even those who have earned top grades but have little money should strive towards universities and fill out lots of applications for scholarships or financial aid. If we don’t dream big and push our way up, we’ll never get to the top. However, to those of us who need a little helping push, financially or with grades, a community college sounds extremely sensible, and we need to forget our pride. Community colleges are not degrading, but rather our second chance. The universities will still be there for us to apply to when we transfer out.