Introduction
Many students in American public learning institutions expect to acquire competencies and concepts that can make them more successful citizens. However, they encounter diverse challenges that make them ill-prepared for their academic goals. In the article “Community College Face a Very Long Road to Graduation”, the author offers powerful insights to describe the issues learners have to experience. The government should consider some of these challenges and implement powerful policies to transform the situation. Since many students attending a community college are from low-income backgrounds, have children to take care of, and work full-time, they usually find it hard to graduate within the stipulated time.
Community Colleges: The Obstacles and Accomplishments
The trends recorded in many community colleges explain why reforms are needed to meet the needs of more beneficiaries. Bellafante analyzes the gap between students in private institutions and those in government-sponsored ones. For example, over 60 percent of enrolled in community colleges have to attend remedial English and mathematics classes (Bellafante). This practice is usually necessary since they are from minority backgrounds, lack adequate resources, and lack the required empowerment and guidance in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Without the required benchmark, such classes are usually mandatory.
The life and experience of Vladimir de Jesus described in the selected article are quite outstanding and worth analyzing. For instance, this student is required to complete remedial classes in order to improve his skills and vocabulary (Bellafante). Such lessons are necessary due to the absence of a strong foundation in each of the intended subjects (Bellafante). This experience echoes what different learners attending community colleges in this country have to go through. Without such additional skills, it will be impossible for de Jesus to achieve his academic objectives.
The majority of students in different learning institutions have to complete various tasks. The example of de Jesus reveals how most of them are required to raise and provide the necessary support to their children. It is also notable that some of the family members depend on them (Bellafante). Consequently, these individuals have to manage their time properly and efficiently. They have to study full-time if they are to complete their courses within the required period. After graduating successfully, they should identify other colleges that can help in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Vladimir de Jesus’ experience explains how underprivileged students find it hard to meet the requirements and succeed academically. Overreliance on modern technologies makes it hard for learners to develop all of the intended skills in mathematics. Additionally, most of the teaching models and processes do not resonate with the academic needs and competencies of learners from underserved backgrounds (Johnson 2). Educators and instructors are unable to teach, thereby making it hard for their respective learners to achieve their academic aims and eventually record positive social mobilities.
Personally, I can relate to most of the issues affecting the greatest percentage of students in American public community colleges. First, I have to work part-time in order to meet the needs of my family (Bellafante). Additionally, I have to complete my class assignments in a timely manner. Second, I have a career goal that I would like to achieve and realize the intended self-gratification. While pursuing such an aim, I have to balance my activities to emerge successful in the long run.
Third, I have been taking remedial classes despite the fact that writing and college readinghase been overwhelming. Nonetheless, such a practice is essential to ensure that I expand my competencies in language and mathematics and that I am prepared for my future career aims (Boggs 3). As a person working to support my family, I remain a full-time learner who needs to balance both personal and academic activities. These attributes explain why it still remains hard for me to keep up with the relevant tasks. All these issues echo the experiences and challenges de Jesus has to go through as a college student.
Despite such challenges and situations, I have decided to remain committed to improving my competencies in order to succeed. I will always take into consideration the insights and feedback my colleagues offer. Being part of a community college, I believe that I will eventually become successful and will achieve my goals (Johnson 2). I will consider the importance of improving my learning process to acquire additional competencies that will guide me throughout my educational and career paths.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified Bellafante’s article as an insightful piece of work that gives a detailed examination of the challenges many learners in public colleges have to experience. My predicaments are similar to those of de Jesus since I have been remediated in different subjects, have a job, and take good care of my children. Despite the nature of the identified issues, it is appropriate to remain focused, collaborate with more professionals in my college, and develop an educational philosophy that is capable of supporting my academic objectives.
References
Bellafante, Ginaa. “Community College Students Face a Very Long Road to Graduation.” The New York Times, 2014, Web.
Boggs, George R. Democracy’s Colleges: The Evolution of the Community College in America. American Association of Community Colleges, 2010.
Johnson, Nate. Three Policies to Reduce Time to Degree. Complete College America, 2011.