By Erika Villaseñor
Ed. Note: Graduation season is here and for many students that means the start of a new life. Some are graduating high school and heading off to college, while others are graduating college and deciding which career path they will take as they enter the workforce. South Kern Sol interviewed college graduates who grew up in Kern County, and asked them what they plan to do with their newfound Bachelor’s degree. This story is the last installment of a two-part series looking at higher education among Kern County residents, where according to the Census 15 percent of the population has a college degree, just half of the state’s average.
What is your name and age?
Omar Tinoco Gallardo, 22
What college did you attend?
University of California, Davis
Was it your first choice?
I chose UC Davis because it’s one of the top environmental science schools in the country.
What did you major in?
Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning with emphasis in water management.
What do you plan to do with your major?
I want to work with stormwater management either on the city or county level, to [specifically] work with environmental compliance for construction and environmental projects.
Do you plan on staying in Kern County as a professional?
No, my plan is to work in the Sacramento Area.
Do you have advice for the next generation?
Coming from a farm-working family where education is not the number one priority, you really have to appreciate where you come from and the values that coming from the valley has to offer. These values will follow you in whatever you want to pursue because that is the core of your persona.
What is your name and age?
Francisca Munguia, 22
What college did you attend?
UC Merced
Was it your first choice?
It was not my first choice but knowing all of the resources available along with it being a small school made me take the opportunity to go to UC Merced.
What did you major in?
I majored in Computer Science and Engineering
What do you plan to do with your major?
[I plan to] find a job that I love and to grow to one day have my own company.
Do you plan on staying in Kern County as a professional?
Yes, I am coming back home to help my parents just like they helped me throughout college.
Do you have advice for the next generation?
Do what you love and don’t let anything stop you. Surround yourself with friends, family and people that motivate you to do your best.
What is your name and age?
Gerardo Tinoco, Jr., 22
What college did you attend?
I attended UC Berkeley.
Was it your first choice?
UC Berkeley was not my first choice because I didn’t really think I was going to go away for college since my parents needed me to stay home and work. But some teachers urged me on and I decided to apply. I got into every college I applied to, but UC Berkeley gave me the best financial aid package. So I graduated debt free from a really great school.
What did you major in?
[I] graduated with an Environmental Science B.S.
What do you plan to do with your major?
I plan to go back to graduate school, so my trajectory might change once more. But I chose Environmental Science because I grew up in the Central Valley and wanted to major in something that could lead to helping out solve some of the pollution problems in the Valley. I’ve been a part of sustainable agriculture and air pollution research projects, so I’m well underway in helping be part of the solution to some of the Central Valley’s biggest issues.
Do you plan on staying in Kern County as a professional?
Yes.
Do you have advice for the next generation?
My only advice for the younger kids is to do what makes them happy, and to not forget to have fun. College was a great time for me to develop academically and personally. I’m a much better speaker now, I’m much more confident, and I’m able to interact socially with people with ease. It’s not all about what you know, but who you know. So go out there, meet some people, have some fun and don’t leave college with regrets because it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
What is your name and age?
Brisy Alvarez, 19
What college did you attend?
I attended Bakersfield College.
Was it your first choice?
Bakersfield College was not my first choice, but I ended up choosing BC because after several conversations with my parents they made me realize that it would save me money if I stayed here for two years and then transferred; so I followed my parent’s advice and attended BC for four semesters.
What did you major in?
My major is Business Administration.
What do you plan to do with your major?
I want to focus on accounting so that in the years that follow I can become an accountant and eventually a CPA.
Do you plan on staying in Kern County as a professional?
It all depends on the job market. If I find a job that I am happy with in Bakersfield, then I will take it.
Do you have advice for the next generation?
College may have its obstacles but in the end it is all worth it. Just look at me, two years ago I graduated from Arvin High School and now I have my Associates Degree in Business from Bakersfield College and I will soon be transferring to CSU East Bay. If you set your mind to a goal then you can achieve it.
What is your name and age?
Dania K. Rivera, 22
What college did you attend?
I attended Bakersfield College
Was it your first choice?
It was not my first choice but I’m really glad I was part of it. I chose it because it was what I could afford.
What did you major in?
I just got my AA in psychology.
What do you plan to do with your major?
I’m planning to expand my education at California State University Bakersfield. I want to work with children that are abused physically and psychologically.
Do you plan on staying in Kern County as a professional?
If I have the chance to move out of Bakersfield I would definitely do it but if God wants me to stay here then I will stay here.