Opportunity and healing: Mellow & Pollard on community colleges

Just how important are community colleges in the landscape of higher education in the United States? Well, nearly half of US undergraduates attend a community college; that makes them pretty important. Two community college presidents—Gail Mellow of LaGuardia Community College in New York and DeRionne Pollard of Montgomery College in Maryland—argue in this February 2017 Baltimore Sun article that community colleges are the key to healing the nation and its people.

Read it here: Mellow & Pollard, “Community colleges can heal a divided America”

 

1. Why do Mellow and Pollard believe that community colleges are so vital to the United States? What’s so special about them? Summarize the authors’ argument. Do they make a persuasive case? Why or why not?
2. As we know from their essay, Mellow and Pollard are both presidents of community colleges. They devote a full paragraph to describing their personal backgrounds. How important is that information to the argument they’re making? Why do you think so? Would their essay be more effective without that information? Why or why not?
3. As Chapter 8 of your text explains, the repetition of key words and phrases is a good device for connecting the parts of your argument. Mellow and Pollard make effective use of this strategy with the word “opportunity.” How does each appearance of the word contribute to the main argument? Do the authors rely too heavily on the word? Why or why not?
4. Mellow and Pollard call on “national leaders” to help community colleges “preserve the opportunity for Americans to learn and … build careers”; however, they don’t offer any concrete suggestions about what they’d like these leaders to do. What concrete recommendations would you make for your school and community? Write an essay that details specific programs or improvements that you would like to see. Use Mellow and Pollard’s essay as your They Say, and address the local conditions that you observe in your daily life.

Comments

[Kris Coleman]

Mellow and pollard believe that community colleges are very important to the american lifestyle now is because more and more people are taking school less serious and some people are looking at community colleges as a gateway to something good. The information from both presidents is very important because some people you never know why they're there and for some people it was pretty easy and for some it wasn't so easy, and i believe that the information was key because sometimes you need that background. No i don't believe that the authors relied too much on the word "opportunity" and each time it is used it is being linked back to why the community college system is so important in america right now.

[D. Permelia]

n responding to the debate by Mishel, (2012) "College and Then What". A professor once told me, that a college education would eventually be free and offered just like a kindergarten thru twelfth grade education. This concept would malign the idea of an education not being accessible to everyone. The United States spends roughly $598.5 billion on defense and approximately $141 billion on educating our elementary and secondary children. This year the amount that the government will spend will be even less. The latest figures from the Presidents fiscal year 2018 Budget Fact Sheet, will provide $73 billion less than previous years. With technology advancing at a major pace, I would think that educating citizens should be this nations chief objective.

President's Budget. (2018, January). Fact Sheet: President Trump's FY 2018 Budget. Retrieved

January 16, 2018, from https://www.whitehouse.gov

[Hunter Smith]

Community colleges are obviously the cheapest type of post secondary education. While some may argue that you get what you pay for, this does not apply to college. You can either buy under armour, or walmart brand. Huge price difference, but same product. Colleges are the same. Also, all colleges are required to meet certain standards, so all colleges operate on the same level. You probably think you are so cool for having a degree from Harvard, but in all honesty you were taught on the same standards as every other college student in America. While it may be cool to go off to some large university, it really is not justifiable unless you have pretty much a full ride.

[Matthew Adams]

More and more often it is perceived that if someone goes to community college, they are going for the explicit purpose of getting a certification or some technical skill that will come in handy for the intermediate job field. If that is not the case then the other way that the perception would go is that the community college is merely a stepping stone to a more renowned or "prestigious" institution. For these reasons, some may think that there is less weight or value that is carried with traditional degrees such as associates and masters degrees in fields of specific study. For people to take community colleges more seriously, then the attitudes and perceptions of these colleges need an overhaul first.

[Crystal Chang]

I definitely agree with Mellow and Pollard on their view of community colleges. They both believe that community colleges can help bridge a gap between the poor and wealthy, the uneducated and educated. The problem with universities and private schools is that they are incredibly expensive, often lack diversity, and leave students with crippling debt. Both Mellow and Pollard are living examples of the diversity that one can find in a community college. One of them is white, born and raised in rural upstate New York, while the other is Black, born and raised in Chicago where violence is an everyday occurrence. However, because community college is non-exclusive and affordable, both of them were able to attend and gain an education. A high school diploma is no longer sufficient for Americans. To better secure a bright future, one must attend college. The world is evolving in a manner that makes living a successful life very difficult. It is becoming more and more competitive, with a college diploma often being the minimum requirement for a job. Community colleges are also flexible with student’s schedules, therefore students who need to work can do so. Community colleges also offer financial aid, so that the student’s financial burden can be lessened. They also stated that community colleges also welcome veterans and support them with their special needs. Veterans need special support for their emotional needs and financial needs, and community college can offer both. Most community colleges have health centers and assistance for the mentally and physically unstable. However, it is not only veterans that community colleges accommodate for. They also accommodate for all physical and mentally disabled individuals. Mellow and Pollard both explain that community colleges celebrate diversity and share one thing in common: opportunity. People who attend community college are given the opportunity to leave their poverty-ridden cities to live out a life of opportunity, success, and happiness.

[Dylan Aguirre]

This article was quite interesting to me as I did in fact agree with the authors. It made me open up my eyes and realize more pros about community colleges. I never really thought about how community colleges actually gather people from different factors and it does in a way put together a divided America. There is a bridge being made between different backgrounds and economic statuses which can also help create new connections filled with diversity. A majority of people tend to see community colleges as schools for the "unaccepted" or the "rejects", as some of them were rejected from other colleges and universities. It seems like this stigma comes to show how poorly community colleges are viewed as. I can actually see how community colleges have something that other colleges and universities do not, and that is diversity. If one thinks about it, those who are unable to afford state colleges, universities, and/or private schools but still want to continue their education go to community colleges. The international students who come but are unable to apply to colleges because of issues with credits could, and still do, apply to community colleges. In addition, even the older adults enroll in community colleges, so even age factors into the diversity that community colleges have. I have also noticed many people who do not take advantage of community colleges when they should not be. I see many not even attempt to try in what they do. They do not focus on doing the best they can because they give up too fast. I think a way to give hope and, in a way,, a wakeup call to those who are not trying in community college would be to remind them that they are lucky they are able to start fresh with a community filled with diversity in order to build new connections.

[Kaylee Biesemeier]

Community colleges are so vital to the United states because of the main factor on how much cheaper it is than going to a university. I definitely agree with these authors, they really put community college into a perspective for me; especially since I attend a community college. Mellow and Pollard go to explain how community colleges are "affordable and accessible", and I couldn't agree more. I think the information that they provided from them being president's of community colleges is very important for this article. They are actually a part of a community college and they know the ins and outs. Personally I do not think that Mellow and Pollard relied too much on the word "opportunity." It went well with the text and was paired nicely with their text. The authors state, We welcome the opportunity, finally, to close the yawning chasm of inequality that has stunted the potential of millions of Americans and led them to achieve considerably less than their true promise." This is why "opportunity" fit nicely. I think the national leaders should fund more students, even though there is a drastic money difference between community colleges and universities; I still think community colleges should still get the benefits that go along with universities.

[Clay]

It is a shame that economic divides create educational divides among the populous and community colleges could help to bridge this gap. But I also believe there should be more emphasis on education in government with funding, because while these colleges are helpful, government influence is powerful and effective if utilized in the right manner.

[Mary Cate]

Community colleges I feel like are very under rated and over looked. I feel like some people look down on people in a "tech" school, but they are making a very smart choose that is still giving them a college degree. Instead of going into huge debt and impossible classes, community college honestly seems like the most reliable route. If people become more accepting of community colleges I feel like the gap will close tremendously.

[Tiffany Nutter]

Although people seem to look down on community colleges and think they are for the less fortunate and your degree won't be as good, many could disagree! there is plenty of people who go to a 2 year college before a 4 year and succeed just the same! I believe the college I have been attending brings in a diverse community around me, which I'm not use to, but enjoy. the two woman in this article come from completely different backgrounds, but yet still come together on the same thoughts as far as community colleges. most people don't do research on the community colleges especially if there is a university around them that they plan to attend. this article gives a little insight on the options for community colleges.

[niyah morton]

Question 2
Mellow and Pollard mentioning their backgrounds were very important in this argument. It really helped make the argument. Them being the presidents of a community college and having backgrounds that most people that go to community colleges have was just great information to give to the argument. Considering that community colleges and people that go to them are typically looked down on, Them stating that shows that its possible to make it through and be successful going to a community college. I don't think their argument would be more effective without that information, because real life examples always boost an argument.

[Victor John]

Hi thank You so much for sharing this useful stuff with internet users, we are really very appreciated with this useful information.

[Hericberto Zarate Cruz]

The argument that mellow and pollard make regarding community colleges is that they are a way to bring everyone together, for example middle class white Americans, lower class minorities and veterans. Community colleges according to mellow and pollard, “have none of the trappings of exclusivity yet all the academic prowess required to engage in the thoughtful consensus- building necessary to knit back together a divided America” (mellow and pollard, 2017). Community colleges are vital to the United States because they allow everyone an equal opportunity to affordable education. Something that makes them exceptional is that they welcome everyone, their prices are affordable; thus, allowing people to get educated and pursue the “American dream” without being is a massive dept. in my opinion the authors make a valid argument that community colleges bring America closer together because they demonstrated how community college enables society to give opportunities to individuals who would be forgotten and set aside at other educational institutes. I agree that community colleges are crucial to American society, and in my opinion, are becoming the ladder to escape poverty for many minority groups.

[Kendia Louis]

I disagree with Hunter Smith because I don't think that all colleges are the same. Why? because many of the graduates from high-ranked colleges get better jobs compared to people who attended public colleges. So, therefore attending a high-rank college does make difference. Realistically, having "Havard graduate" in your resume is more likely to get you a job than having some other unknown public college. The education level in pristine colleges is much better.

[isabelle brill]

The Blog and the discussions following behind it are discussing about community college and how more students are deciding to attend them over universities. They also talk about how cheap community college is. I've always believed that attending community college would be better for many people. For example people who don't want to attend a four year college but still want the college degree for a better job. Also for people like me who would much rather spend less money getting prerequisites at a community then transfer to a university. Overall community college I believe is a better and cheaper choice. I also agree with what some of the responses said about lack of diversity at universities while community college has a mix of poor and wealthy and many different ethnic backgrounds. I would suggest people attend a community college over a university and I wish that I did.

[Jackie Caravetto]

I believe that including the fact that Mellow and Pollard are both presidents of community colleges and they devote a full paragraph to describing their very different personal backgrounds was detrimental to making their argument. Community colleges are significant to the because they allow everyone an equal opportunity to affordable education. Not only are they affordable but they also accept everyone regardless of background which pushes the coming together of an extremely divided nation. Mellow and Pollard including their different backgrounds and showing how they both were able to make it to the same place further proves their argument about how beneficial community college can be for America.

[Morgan Gilbertsen]

I strongly agree with the argument made by Mellow and Pollard. They argued that community colleges have been a vital tool to unite our divided nation. Unlike private universities, community colleges are affordable and accessible to students from all different backgrounds. As competition for jobs is being increasingly intense, most jobs favor candidates with a college degree. In the past, this left many Americans at a huge disadvantage. However, thanks to community colleges, more Americans have access to higher education and therefore have more opportunities to better their future. Community colleges give students the power to control their schedules so they can work and go to school. They also offer financial aid to assist students who could not otherwise afford it. Community colleges also offer a lot of assistance for veterans and the physically and mentally disabled. Community colleges also cater to a diverse age range of individuals. Whether someone is just graduating high school, or choosing to go back to school later in life, they are welcomed. This diversity is truly what makes community colleges so different from most state colleges and private universities. It has a huge impact on the students inside and outside the classroom. Outside of class students can interact with a diverse group of peers and learn about people with different cultures and backgrounds. As Mellow and Pollard stated in their article, it also directly impacts the curriculum and class discussions. Community college classes are able to discuss controversial issues such as immigration, racism, and inequality because they are real problems faced by many of their students. Community colleges have been able to bridge the gap of race, politics, age, and class to bring Americans from all different backgrounds together in the pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.

[Kellen]

In the article "Community Colleges Can Heal a Divided America" by Gail Mellow, is talking about how the economic polarization in america is caused by racism, xenophobia(prejudice against other countries), and discrimination against peoples beliefs. Americans live in more segregated communities and attend more segregated schools than in the last 20 years. But community colleges can become very diverse places where everybody is welcome to try to get their education. "we both see the unique potential of community colleges as places of dialogue and healing".

[Kadresean Mclean]

In this article, "Community Colleges Can Heal A Divided America" Gail Mellow states that community colleges were made for students that need healing, and dialogue. Everyone comes from different childhoods, and life experiences. Therefor not everyone can afford to pay to attend a four year university. Mellow feels that Community college serves as a healing process for diverse students that need a place to start. Something that's affordable, and also something that can knit back America again as a whole Instead of a division between race, and political views. I agree with her. I think that community colleges help with middle class and low class citizens that want to obtain a college degree or an associate degree. Because in today's society I feel that most jobs want the employees to have some sort of degree.

[Samantha Elmore]

Mellow and Pollard claim in this article that community colleges can help unit our divided Country. I agree with what they are saying. As being a student at a community college, I have experienced many of the examples they mentioned above. I have met many people coming from different backgrounds. They claim that community colleges are inexpensive compared to larger Universities and colleges. This makes in an easy accessible tool for lower classed communities.

[Anthony Higginbottom]

I found this article to be not only accurate, but also necessary. I can relate to the way it depicted community colleges. I can also appreciate the way the article not only presented cultural and class differences as a conflict, but I can say that it reflects my reality. As a Black-American student that does come from a lower class family I do find that my community college is a melting pot. I have experience being in a non-diverse classroom where I did experience racial bias and prejudice from my classmates and instructor. There are various cultural identities, political parties, majors and economic classes that bring us together as one class and student body at the community college I attend. The contrast is very apparent. I used to attend college at a private 4 year college and now I attend college at a community college in my area. Having both of these experiences has shown me that community colleges can be just as rigorous of an education as an education at a private 4 year college. You get the opportunity to save money as well with lower tuition, scholarships and financial aid. Smaller classrooms also mean more attention from your professors. There was a time when I denied that community college was an option for me. However, I have found that since coming to a community college I have been more comfortable than in previous academic institutions and I have learned even more than I previously did at the 4 year private college.

[Monica Guzman]

I totally agree with Mellow and Pollard when they argue that community colleges are vital to the United States since they bring affordable and accessible opportunities to people in disadvantage whether their financial situation deteriorated or they are trying to reinsert themselves in society, like veterans. They are also right when they face the fact that “a high school diploma is not longer sufficient to ensure a bright future.” Community colleges play a huge role in educating people thus they highly contribute to society.

[Natalie Worton]

The word "opportunity," is carefully and strategically incorporated throughout this work. Mellow and Pollard's argument is that, "community college will heal a divided America." The word "opportunity," is carefully and strategically incorporated throughout this work. It is used to show a commonality among diversity. Whether, an individual is presented with a lack or wealth of "opportunity" in life, community college can offer everyone the "opportunity" to obtain a degree in higher education. I do not feel that Mellow and Pollard relied too heavily on this word. I think it made just the right connection and point that they were making.

[Tristan Saunders]

Mellow and Pollard use the word "opportunity" to really drive their point across. Their very strategic when using it. They showed us the importance of community colleges. They showed use that community colleges gives someone the opportunity to achieve certain goals that might not be possible without it. It also showed us that the opportunity community colleges gives can be a way out of their current situation. To know that just because you didn't get in a university your able to work towards getting their. I don't think that Mellow and Pollard relied too heavily on the word opportunity. Their article talks about the opportunity community colleges can give to people.

[Peyton C]

Mellow and Pollard bring attention to a very import issue concerning community college and the importance of them. The argument that Mellow and Pollard present is a very strong argument on how “Community colleges can heal a divided America.” The two use the word “opportunity” throughout their article very well to get their point across. The word “opportunity” is the ideal word you want to see when you are looking at community colleges. I believe Mellow and Pollard used the word “opportunity” just enough to get their point across. Community colleges give people the opportunity to study and learn.