With the beginning of a new school year about to begin, many students are about to start college for the first time. Beginning college can be a bit worrisome, but it’s also very exciting. South Kern Sol’s Jessica Manzo asked incoming Cal State Bakersfield freshmen about their concerns and what they are looking forward to most. To give them a little guidance,  Manzo also asked returning students and recent graduates to provide them with some helpful tips for their journey ahead.

“The biggest concern I have for the upcoming school year is being able to handle and manage my classes. I’m taking 17 units, and I heard that is quite a lot. So, I’m a little nervous on how fast I can find my groove to a successful schedule. I am most excited for moving to Bakersfield. The change from Selma to Bakersfield isn’t too far and isn’t too close. Leaving for school will give me the chance to be able to find my own values and learning who I am as a person without my parents there to approve or disapprove.”

— Penelope Valle, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“It’s going to be hard, but you can do it. You have to put a lot of time to study and also take breaks in between while also studying for your (other) classes. Also keep in mind it is your future, and it is worth it. You are the one taking those classes and pushing yourself to get through them.”

— Jessica Santoyo, sophomore at Bakersfield College.

“I’m excited for the new types of classes. Coming from Mojave High School, I am so used to having classes with 20 students, so I’m excited to see how different it will be. I’m living in the dorms, and I’m the first one in my family to ever live on campus. I haven’t gotten my room yet, but I’m excited to see who my roommate is.”

— Ashley Almendarez, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“Enjoy college. Experience new things that you probably would’ve never done in high school. Don’t worry about people’s opinions on you because at the end of the day, you are there to further your education on something you actually want. Unlike high school (when) we had to attend it, college is more of our own decisions as adults. Take advantage of living on campus, some of us have to drive from far (away), and it’s a bit of a struggle sometimes. Living on campus means you can literally run back to your dorm and get your homework that you accidentally forgot. Working late in the library on a project and living about five minutes away is amazing. You practically have everything you need to survive college really close to you. For example, a place to nap. Honestly, taking naps during class gaps are amazing. Enjoy it, have fun, and good luck.”

— Valeria Valdez Lopez, graduate from BC.

“It’s going to be hard trying to find the classes because it’s a whole new campus. I’m more concerned about the workload. As a biology major, I plan to go to medical school after here. I plan to graduate in four years. I don’t want to take any more than that.”

— Kylee Salinas, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“Graduating within four years is possible, but it’s okay to take more than four years. I felt so rushed, overworked myself and I didn’t enjoy the whole college experience because of the social mentality that I had to finish within a four-year span. So as the world is constantly telling you ‘four years, four years, four years,’ it’s okay to take all the time you need. College is hard, and we each face different problems such as family, self and financial problems. The connections you build along the way will benefit you in the end. You will get an insight on programs, clubs, and classes.”

— Selestino Bautista, senior at CSUB.

“(I’m nervous about) keeping track of all my classes and assignments, making sure I have it all planned out, and making sure I turn everything in on time and not forget about anything.”

— Gissell Gomez, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“The advice I would give would be to not get lazy. It is important to treat every class with the same intensity no matter how easy some classes may seem.”

— Joshua Ulloa, senior at CSUB.

“The big time gaps between classes is just a big adjustment, basing off that you were so used to (going from) first period to seventh period.”

— Jackie Reyes, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“My advice is to take complete advantage of any space between classes by going to the library or any quiet area on campus to study.”

— Tamerla Bowles Prince, senior at CSUB

“I’m excited about being on a bigger campus. I think if I put myself out there and do the work, I will be fine.”

— Lanie Jackson, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“Just be open and get involved to help build your resume and don’t be afraid to meet and make new friends.”

— Mel Cabello, sophomore at CSUB.

“I’m just thinking about how I’m going to get sustainable here (and) how I’m going to get comfortable here. I forgot to apply for the dorm, so I’ll be driving everyday here from Stratford. (Advisors) made it combative, so I could drive everyday to school and be able to drive home and work afterwards.” 

— Daniel Casillas, incoming freshman at CSUB.

“Ask questions, seriously. Don’t worry about it thinking it is a dumb one either. Be the one to reach out if you have a concern. The reality is you are an adult now, so you must take the initiative to call people and send emails on your own behalf. It is a bit nerving at first but the more you do it, the easier it will get. Also remember that school kind of ‘resets’ every semester. If you feel overwhelmed, keep insight (for) the next semester and learn from your mistakes. My biggest advice is to join a fraternity/sorority or a club. These people you become friends with will be your inspiration to get through each semester. They will be your sounding board and help you remember that you are not alone. If you become great friends, you can also share an apartment with them.”

— Elizabeth Monroig, graduate of CSUB.