But Mr. Walton made it through that remedial math class four years ago, ultimately praising the dean for standing firm. In June, he crossed a stage to receive an associate’s degree in computer science. Next year, he plans to earn another degree in, of all things, math.

He said he would like to earn a full bachelor’s, but hesitates.

“I’m scared to death of going to college,’’ he said. “I’ll be up to my eyeballs in debt.’’

This summer he sent his résumé even to employers demanding bachelor’s degrees and several years’ experience, hoping that his enthusiasm would compensate where credentials fell short. He sought positions that included tuition breaks for employees.

His strategy paid off with two offers, one in data entry at the community college here, a job he held on work study before graduating, and another as a technician repairing copying machines. Mr. Walton went for the second.

It offers benefits, tuition reimbursement and a salary of $22,850 a year, with extra money toward buying a new car every few years.

“I feel a little bit more — I don’t want to say confident — but maybe worthy,’’ Mr. Walton said. “Now, I feel like I’m all that, and a bag of chips.’’

Well, that's the way it's going to be around here. Step by step.

-- CatherineJohnson - 02 Sep 2006

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Comments

No. This doesn't smell right. In a lot of areas.

First, my experience: I graduated a magnet (gifted) high school and despite being given scholarships to UCLA, Berkeley, USC, etc, I went to a local state school in California for stupid kid personal reasons. I took the math placement test and was placed in numbskull remedial math.

Well, that was until my Calculus AP test scores arrived and I went straight through to the next course. A nice "eff you, administration" and I was on my way. Oh, and that was for the Calculus AP test that I took in 10th grade by the way. No wonder I didn't remember mundane geometry. Like I should have studied for a math placement test?

I'd love to see the math placement test be offered like all other math and science tests are offered - open book.

Sure, I struggled through my math classes, but I finished with great grades and went on for a full-ride masters at an IVY league.

I'm not just patting myself on the back. My point is that 1) the tests might be flawed and 2) the tests might not be worth a damn when compared to the energy and dedication that will come from students like Walton. In other words, Walton's determination could overcompensate for crappy preparation and he most likely learned all the math he needed Just-in-Time, if even for the numbskull classes.

And 3 - at a broader level, there is nothing wrong with throwing people into the proverbial pool to swim. God forbid, Walton had instead entered a 4year college, taken full college loans to pay his way through and finished with his BS in Comp Sci. So, what is that $30k of loans for 4 years would add to $120k of debt MAX. But he's coming out of college earning $60+ k per year. Big deal. Worse case, he's in college, he realizes he's not prepared for math and switches to history or poli sci or whatever, then after 4 years he has a degree and can start earning a real salary. In and out.

And 4 - Fish swim in schools. Get the kids into a 4 year, get them into the dorms. They will graduate. Keep them in community colleges and living at home and they will never finish. I personally believe a community college is only good for the students who already know what they want in life because then they can focus and they see the carrot at the end of the tunnel. The folks who don't know what they want? (99% of us) - They should go to a 4 year and commiserate with all the other 4 year students.

I know, wishful thinking. Oh well. :-(

-- KtmGuest - 05 Sep 2006