I was disappointed to read the Sun Journal editorial (Jan. 13) that opted to join in the chorus to disparage Lewiston School Committee member Ronella Paradis for expressing what many consider to be a lucid observation. From my perspective, Paradis had the courage to challenge others to reconsider what has arguably become the ultimate group think premise among the intellectual set. She should be commended for doing so, not condemned.

Her point is rather simple and well understood by those who have lived it, and by those not so quick to label others with views other than their own as “misguided.”

While a traditional college education may certainly offer an advantage and qualify as a worthwhile goal for many, it need not be the centerpiece or Holy Grail of noble efforts.

Having been an educator myself, I am not unfamiliar with the value of encouraging self-improvement, perseverance, responsibility, self-reliance and reaching higher. Collectively these and other cornerstone characteristics serve as an appropriate foundation of any mission to boost aspirations.

Higher education can undeniably be of significant value and a worthy ambition; however, the notion of promoting that college serve as the ultimate capstone to confirm mission accomplished can indeed imply that anything less is less than worthy.

I have too many friends, acquaintances and family who are successful in their own right who defy distinction based on whether they hold a degree or not.

Encourage college as the worthy pursuit it is, but avoid promoting it as the brass ring that exclusively defines success.

Norm Fecteau, Monmouth