'Give it a try' | The Fresno Bee

I totally agree with everything Cynthia Brickey [Valley Voices column Jan. 13] says about the fact that many young people are not ready for college and should not even be applying. They either lack the maturity to handle the rigors of college or are not academically prepared.

I also believe, as Ms. Brickey pointed out, that over the years educational standards have been lowered to accommodate certain people.

Let's stop advocating college for every young person. Instead, we need to change that focus and bring back vocational education. It would most likely have an effect on the college dropout rate as well as improve the self-image of these individuals. Ultimately their newly acquired skills will lead to good jobs. It is time we give it a try.

Bernard Stepanek

Fresno