Appalled at columnist's conception of the elite

I am truly appalled at the content of columnist Dan Cassino's March 10 commentary "Higher education means higher bills." He submits that only the richest and smartest should be allowed to attend a university, and he hints that the university is a place to peddle elitism.

A university education should be available to all who dare. The elitism should not come from merely being here but from what one does while they are here. To me, there is nothing more elite than giving an opportunity to someone who's been handed the short end of the stick and watching them come out on top. What sickens me most is watching those born with silver spoons in their mouths come to the university and fail due to their own lack of effort.

Cassino is suggesting that leaders are leaders because they are smart and rich. Not so! Leaders are leaders because they earn the respect of those around them. They are selfless in their actions and they put others before themselves and they understand what being responsible truly means.

Also, the university does not teach remedial courses to students because the legislative body or Regents have failed. The remedial courses are taught because the students have failed to learn or the teachers have failed to teach.

Yes, like most people, I want to be elite. But I will be elite based on performance that comes from my own dedication and hard work. This is where pride really comes from -not a set of standards at the expense of those that may be less fortunate.

Dave Keal
Mathematics and biochemistry sophomore