Community colleges, another view

Kay ryanPerhaps as a reply to the TV show that now holds the community college up to ridicule, Kay Ryan, the US poet laureate, has this to say:

“I simply want to celebrate the fact that right near your home, year in and year out, a community college is quietly—and with very little financial encouragement—saving lives and minds,” said Ryan. “I can’t think of a more efficient, hopeful or egalitarian machine, with the possible exception of the bicycle.”

6 thoughts on “Community colleges, another view

  1. Christopher

    She’s KAY Ryan by the way, but that comment is AWESOME. This is why she’s a poet and I’m not. Celebrates the bicycle and community colleges and egalitarianism in one succinct thought!

  2. Grace

    CCs are not a joke in CA. A very wide cross-section of the populace attended CCs. Many kids earn college credits while attending CC, either concurrently with HS or after.

    Retirees and housewives attend for enrichment and socializing. Knowledge workers attend for career development.

  3. Bryan

    I attended Citrus Community College in southern California for 2 years, then transferred to UC Irvine where I graduated. I’d recommend the same to any student. It’s an easy way to practically cut your college bill in half.

    That said, I think Community is a pretty funny show.

  4. Grant McCracken

    Bryan, its witty, isnt it?  Im a little surprised theres any gas left in that persona.  And the next question is whether its got legs.  I am guessing it wont.  The Officer manages to give us ensemble madness and there isnt quite enough ensemble here.  Thx. Grant

  5. Grant McCracken

    Christopher, it is awesome, so economical, so perfect, thanks for the catch on the change of name, I wrote and posted from my iphone on a speeding train so its a wonder anything is correct.  Best, Grant

  6. Virginia Postrel

    I haven’t watched Community, but its existence always struck me as the first acknowledgement by network TV that community colleges are in fact a very important part of American culture.

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