Cuesta College should be promoted as an option for graduates

I tip my cap to The Tribune staff for the exceptional story depicting seven San Luis Obispo County 2016 high school graduates (June 5). It was refreshing to read about a diverse group of students with a variety of future plans. Exceptionally noteworthy are the students attending Cuesta College this fall.

Unfortunately California community colleges get a bad rap across our state. As an educator for 31 years in San Luis Obispo County, I have asked many high school students about their future plans. A common answer is, “I’m just going to Cuesta.” The fact is, Cuesta College (or any community college for that matter) is the best choice for the majority of our graduates, and we as a society should promote this path to the future rather than dismiss it.

Students should not feel they are settling for a community college. I didn’t.

This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 11:47 PM with the headline "Cuesta College should be promoted as an option for graduates."