This letter is in response to Lauren Warner's column ("'Hazlehell,' other campuses not shameful to attend," Feb. 21).

I went to a Commonwealth Campus before coming to University Park this past fall, Ms. Warner.

We're not all ashamed of where we came from. I certainly am not. You're right; There's absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about there. In fact, I went to Penn State Berks for my first two years of my own volition, as an increasing number of people are doing every year, especially as more and more Commonwealth locations are adding four-year degrees. Not for one moment have I regretted that decision.

My two years at Berks gave me opportunities I probably would not have realized were out there if I came directly to University Park. I made great friends, I got extremely involved in student government -- which carried over when I changed my assignment to University Park -- and I also got an internship in Washington, D.C., that I wouldn't have even known existed if I came to University Park my freshman year.

There are 40,000 people who attend Commonwealth locations, and the great majority of them are not at all ashamed of where they came from.

Remember that Commonwealth is not short for "I didn't get accepted to University Park." And also remember that there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of for attending any location other than University Park.

Those who have attended University Park since their freshman year are no better than us, Ms. Warner, and sometimes people forget that.

But, my friend, it's time for them to accept the truth.