Bakersfield College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Bakersfield College know before they start?

Amanda

I'm zooming through time in a silver DeLorean time machine, with none other than Doc Brown at my side, of course. We are in a rush back to 2006, to find myself as a highschool senior, and give me some important advice about college. The DeLorean crashes in front of the auditorium as I see myself exiting, wearing that Kelley green cap and gown and I fear I might be too late. I rush up the steps and push through the crowd and I stealthly pull 4 year younger Amanda aside. She looks at me in surprise as I yell at her. "Listen, your about to enter college! It's going to be an amazing experience, but don't be afriad to explore all the majors you can early on, or it may take you forever to find the subject you trully love. And above all things, stay focused on your goal. It will be a tough ride, with lots of distractions, but stay focused and you will make it through. " She looks at me with a smile and nods as she runs to meet our family, and regardless of what happens I know everything will work out.

Waleed

Study more, so I would already get used to having to study all the time.

Maria

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have prevented some mistakes. I would have advised my self to try a little bit harder because college life is much tougher than high school. The transition from high school to college is an experience that takes a bit of time to adjust and get used to. It is important to avoid the fear and anxiety. I would most definitely advice myself to be prepared for that different experience. I would do so by setting higher standards for myself in high school; those of which are similar to college expectations. I would also advice myself to begin setting specific goals and thinking of the ways I plan to achieve them. This is important because in college, success is based on the goals one achieves. But more importantly, I would have advised myself to avoid procrastination because being under pressure can be extremely stressful. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, this advice would be an advantage and would prepare me for college.

Jack

College is a lot tougher than high school. Do not assume that you can coast. Missing assignments, missing class sessions, and sleeping during lectures is not tolerated. No matter how much a proffessor may like you, they will not hesitate to fail you if the required work is not completed. Although you can gain practical life experience in the woking world after high school you will advance very little on the pay scale without a good education. Set a goal and stay focused. Distractions such as cars, girls, and trips to Vegas, even though they seem fun at the time, will not last long and will only hinder your education. Do not wait 20+ years to complete school. By commting six years of your life to the process now, you will be securing the the next 60 years of your future. One more thing, stay away from Jennifer she is nothing but trouble.

Melissa

Never give up. I put off college to get a job and have a family young. And before you know it your stuck at the same job. Its very difficult to go back to school after so many years and with a family to support. Stay in school. Don't put it off. Stay focus.

Tiana

I would tell myself not to worry about everyone else so much and not to be afriad to be the person I want to be. I was so worried about fitting in that I didn't pursue my passion in high school, which was agricutlre. I would tell myself that in college every one is an individual and that's what I should strive to be. I would say that the friends you make in college are the ones who believe in you, the teachers push you, and you won't be afraid to be that person you look at in the mirror. The best years of your life are ahead of you and don't be afriad. The transition into adult hood and college life is a scary one, but when you pull through those first couple of months, your true self comes out. I guess I would just tell myself that college life and the transition are all aspects that make you into the person you want and are meant to be, so don't worry go head first and don't be afraid to fall, everyone does at one point.

Sharry

Knowing what I know now about college life and being the first generation to enter college is really tough. Especially since I could not recieve any kind of financial aid. I would advise myself as a senior in high school to start looking for a job to start saving money for school. I would then use that money to pay for books and other nesecities I need for class and be a full-time student. Being a senior in high school, I would begin researching about different majors, to find which one I am most interested in. So that way when I enter college, I won't be bouncing from one major to another. Still working, I would put away extra money to keep saving for goals I would like to accomplish in the near future. Like, buying a car to commute to work and school or renting an apartment of my own to begin understanding true responsibilites.

Lauretta

Take the time to learn who you are and what makes you happy and follow your dreams. Don't lose focus and learn to trust in the things that make you strong and beleive in yourself, even when others doubt you. When you feel like a failure don't trust in feelings but in your intuition and remember that success only comes by learning from mistakes most of the time and vary rarely does anyone get it right the first time, but when that does happen, celebrate it! Don't compare your accomplishments by what others acheive because by doing that you are only competing rather than acheiving your goals and dreams. Someone elses dream will not make you happy. When the going gets tough, roll up your sleeves and get tougher, even if you fail you'll be prepared for the next battle, you only lose when you chose not to take the challenge. Be content with the days' gifts, wether it be rain or sunshine, and always, always smile, it attracts positive people. Be honest, openminded and willing, this attitude will keep you learning the important things in life no matter where or who you are.

James

I would tell myself that this is important work and that you will use this information for the rest of your life. That not only will you benefit from this edeucation but it will be the way that you will prvide for your family. Your children and wife will look up to you for working hard and applying your self and finishing strong. This is the one of the most important steps in your career and your life. Work hard, make this time count. It will be well worth the investment of time. You are valuable, you can do more and are smarter than you think you are. You will make it just fine. There will be challenges, but they are not permanant, they will pass and you will be better for it. Kepp your head up and walk tall and finish. Do what you said you would do even if it hurts you. Never quit!

Brylyn

As a high school senior, I had no idea what I wanted out of life. Now with two years of college education, I can look back in hindsight and say that I really wish I had been more proactive in gaining an understanding of my future college career. After graduating from high school I decided to enroll at Bakersfield College, an accredited junior college in my hometown. I feel that this decision was the best decision I made, considering all of the leaps and bounds I have achieved while attending BC. However, looking back, I wish that I would have understood more about transferring to a four-year university. Choosing a major is extremely important, especially when transferring. With costs high and majors impacted, deciding what path one is going to travel could not be emphasized more. Once this task is completed, it is never soon enough to look at what classes one must take in order to meet the transfer requirements of a specific university system, paying special attention to explicit major requirements of a university. I hope to accentuate the importance of organization and planning, because in modern times, nothing is more important than receiving an education.

Alexis

I would go back and tell myself to work harder, and be more focused, instead of goofing off and praying that I would pass my classes. I would also tell myself to be more prepared to enter college and the all nighters.

Paige

Do not worry about choosing a major right out of high school. Majors will change on average about three times during your first couple years of college. Also, while finances can seem somewhat overwhelming at first, there are many options that will allow you to deal with the financial pressures so prevalent surrounding your college career. Do not feel like you have to attend a four-year university right away. You will save thousands of dollars by going to a community college first, and you can also save precious time and effort by completing the general education courses needed at a community college level, rather than having to pay more at a university for the same material. Websites like Ratemyprofessor.com are not always good sources to see advice about your professors. Pick the professors who will offer the best challenge for you, for you will learn much more about yourself and the material being taught. You can find these professors by asking your peers who have similar college and career goals.

Jessica

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself in my senior year. I would tell myself to wait to date, having a boyfriend can equal to slacking, I also would tell myself to go the extra mile when it comes down to studying I recently came some close in getting straight A's in two of my classes it motivated me. Tell myself to prepare myself for the next courses hit the books early be ready for going to class stay on top of my work so that I can achieve those straight A's

Valerie

Have a plan. Think about what you want to get out of school and make mini goals to get you to where you want to be. But also be flexible. Your original goal may not be what you thought. Its okay to change directions, just make another goal path. There are many options out there, so take your time to look around and find something that is comfortable for you. Whether you are there for a semester or for four years, you should enjoy your environment. And last, there is no better time to start preparing. Every class you take in high school will help you out in college...yes, even workshop. Your ability to stay organized, plan, and complete assignments will reflect your work ethic in college and determine your success. Good luck and have fun!

Vanessa

I would tell the young and naive "me" to go into a program that can get me in track for a career early. Registered Nursing was an option that I never thought about and I would stress my younger self to stick to the program, even though everyone else seems to be having more fun in college. I would also tell the younger me to just go to a junior college, save some money, be closer to home, and get the education I was able to get earlier and for much cheaper.

Kathie

Don't take that year off that you are planning, go straight into college. It will pay off in the long run. I know that you have new found freedom to do what you want , when you want, and how you want. You just have to relize that the struggle you will have if you don't go into college right after high school. You don't relize what you have forgotten in that time. So please just finish high school and go to college it's the best for everyone.

Adrianna

There are so many things I would tell myself. I would start off with saying that I do not have to grow up as quickly as I thought I did. I would make sure one of the first things I would tell myself is to stand by my convictions and not to fall for manipulations and peer pressure. I would tell myself that I am smarter then I thought I was and I would do very well in college. I would also tell myself not to listen to my parents when it came to school but to listen to my dad when it came to life. I would also tell myself that I need to value my mind and body and not to let people use me. I would tell myself all my regrets what I would change and who I would have stayed away from if I knew better. I would tell myself how well I would do in the future when it came to my childern and helping the community. I would also tell myself how much people value me, listen to me, and respect me as a person.