Long ago, after dropping out of college to get married, I finally returned to a community college. Worried, scared and hopeful, I entered the doors.

It wasn't easy returning as an adult, but it did two things for me. Eventually, I entered a four-year institution and graduated with honors. I also understood the importance of having an institution that allowed me to afford an education, staffed with faculty who dedicated their time to see that I understood what the academic world was about.

Today, as an educator, I watch students file in every semester at Wake Tech - the 18-year-olds, the 20-and 30-somethings trying it again and those with a few gray hairs who have lost jobs or are trying for new ones in a world that is changing.

I look out over this group and know that about 25 percent of them won't last the semester. Jobs, families and boredom will take a toll. The 75 percent who remain may succeed in passing and moving on to the next level. I look at all of them and, in my heart, wish them well.

When I introduce the work they will produce during the semester, there are looks of disbelief and groans about job schedules, and a fine sheen of sweat will cover a face here and there. Suddenly, college is a reality and not some far-fetched dream. Their presence in the classroom means a commitment to their education, their hopes and their dreams.

When we finish the 16 weeks, I will have graded approximately five essays per student, with an average of about 15 pages per student. With over 100 students, that reaches 1,500 pages of text in 16 weeks. Grading looms every evening and weekend.

Why do I do this? Simple - these students are people committed to changing something in their lives. They need help to get through the academic challenges that await them. They need someone who will put them on the path to good communication, via writing. College is the answer for many of these people. They know it will take them someplace they could not go without it. Not all will make it, but it is my privilege to be part of their journey.

When I hear people decry the costs of education, I think of the costs of not educating those who enter the classroom each fall. How many hopes and dreams would we lose? How many bright ideas will go without fruition? What future do we wish upon ourselves if we allow cuts in education to be the answer to budgets?

As a teacher in the North Carolina system, I am not paid as I would be in the private sector. It is hard going without raises and receiving only a 1 percent increase in better years. My family has to sacrifice for my choice of career. Yet I can think of no finer career to have: the betterment of those who wish to make it so.

I like to think that others see the value, as I do, in this experience of education.