4-Year, Ccommunity, or None?

Juan Banda

Times Opinion Editor

 

How many seniors are going to a four-year college and how many are going to a community college, or simply not going to college?

 

A four-year college is usually preferable to anyone who wishes to go to college, but how many people actually plan to attend a four-year college? When it comes down to going to a four-year college, most seniors apply to a UC or a Cal State. Many have spoken about attending these colleges, but how many are actually going, or planning on going? Getting into Community College is much easier, and it is still good; depending on how you look at it.

According to a Jaguar Times survey of senior homerooms, conducted in May 2010, 81% of 2010 graduating seniors at South East High School are going to college. Fifty-four percent of those seniors said they will attend a community college and 27% said they are going to a four-year college. Nineteen percent of seniors have decided that college is not for them.

Eduardo Silva, a senior at SEHS, plans on attending a four-year college. Silva said, “I want to acquire a bachelor’s degree in nursing science.” He believes this is the best choice for him because he wants, “… a good job with a well-paid salary.”

Marcos Rodriguez, a senior at South East High School said, “I plan on studying European history.” He says he wishes to study mythology. He plans to attend UCLA. “I want to get a Bachelor’s degree.” He believes that he should have a job that he is happy with.

            Why do more students prefer going to a community college than to a four-year college? Probably because they doubt they can succeed in a four-year college because they perceive it to be more difficult.  

            This could simply be because they don’t believe they can make it if they go to a UC or a Cal State, so they aim for the easiest, which many think is a community college, or maybe their budget is the problem. Most seniors say that getting into a four-year college is hard, but that all depends on the student.  In most cases seniors do not complete the requirements that are needed to attend a Cal State or UC.

            Although some seniors are going to different schools or places, they all have their own plans. Hopefully, that plan will lead them to their idea of success. 

Linda Sanchez Arrives at SEHS

Congressperson Linda Sanchez visited South East High School.

Thursday March 8, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, visited South East High School, and answer any questions students had. Sanchez will be visiting most other high schools within the communities of Willowbrook, Whittier, Long Beach, Lakewood, Paramount, Hawaiian Gardens, Artesia, Cerritos, Florence, La Mirada, Watts, and South Gate, which she represents.
Shortly after she arrived she gave the students of Ms. Che’s second block class, a brief story about herself and her inspirations. Sanchez’ mother was the one whom inspired her to become a congressperson. Being part of congress was something she did not expect. Sanchez believes it is special that she and her sister are the only people in congress that are related.
Sanchez serves the Ways and Means Committee as well as the Judicial Committee.
Sanchez is trying to provide more grants for schools. She provided money from the federal government to fund schools with a resource officer. The resource officer at SEHS is Officer Paz. Sanchez said, “When a school has a resource officer the school has less truancies.” Sanchez is also trying to get rid of waste in a more environmentally healthy way.
Sanchez also provided students with an explanation on the healthcare bill. The bill is said to allow children to “stay on their parent’s health care plan until age 26. “ It also gives credit to those who cannot afford it. Sanchez said, “We have been working on this bill for over a year.”
According to Sanchez the people in congress receive 110 to 115 requests from cities asking for all kinds of federal assistance. Twelve of those requests are answered to. Last year the City of South Gate sent a request for resource officer, this request was accepted. She provided funding for innovative programs, which assist counselors, as well. Sanchez is against bullying.
According to Sanchez the federal government wishes to fund states. “But in order to do this we need to rewrite the Stimulus Bill.” This is the bill that was used to help sates through the recession.
Before leaving Che’s government class, Sanchez gave Ms. Sotomayor [principal], a book on the history of the U.S. for her to lace it in the school library.