EOP&S | Sonya Christian's Blog

2014 Trip to Fresno State

In an effort to encourage and emphasize transfer, the EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs programs had the opportunity to attend a university excursion to Fresno State University. Improving college awareness and access through university exposure is an essential part of the student success process, so, our team took students to Fresno State so they could fully understand the transfer process and increase their own self-confidence in their ability to transfer.

Many of the participants in Bakersfield College’s EOP&S, CARE, and CalWORKs programs have never ventured out of Kern County or visited a university campus: such is the plight of most first generation, low-income students.

This campus outing was a HUGE success which allowed 35 of our students to participate in a campus tour. In addition, participants were able to develop long-lasting friendships with one another, and preview the best of what Fresno State had to offer. As confirmed by student feedback, our students were genuinely enthusiastic about having the opportunity to visit Fresno State. The event was as eye opening experience which impressed upon our students that education and transfer are POSSIBLE.

Among the many successful components of the university excursion was the following:

Exciting campus tour by well-organized and enthusiastic tour guides
Meaningful and pertinent information obtained about every department and major
Outstanding student panel organized by the Fresno State EOP Program
Amazing lunch buffet at the Fresno State Dining Hall
Incredible team-bonding activities to foster unity and togetherness amongst the students
Excellent educational showings at the Downing Planetarium

But, enough from me. What did students have to say about the trip to Fresno State?

The field trip was an Awesome experience! I got to see what a big university like Fresno State really felt like. I had so much fun I felt like a little kid again as we had the opportunity to travel as group and shown the main attractions of the campus. It definitely pushed and motivated me to transfer to the university level. Thanks to the university trip I have a better perspective on the transfer process. ~Jesus Salazar

This trip was not only fun but it was also educational and insightful. We got a great tour of the campus and learned so much about Fresno State and the best part about the trip was Manuel cracking us all up. Through team bonding activities we all got to bond together and the opportunity to make new friends and relationships. Seeing how wonderful the campus was definitely motivated me to actually apply to it as well. Especially, when our tour guide told us that “English majors can go teach at any part of the world” if they get their B.A. from Fresno. I am an English major so this was like music to my ears. Overall, I had a great time and the Planetarium show at the end made me realize that astronomy is not as horrible of subject that I always made it out to be. I hope that next semester we visit a UC campus and see what they have to offer, especially since that is my ultimate goal. ~ Roshelle Czar

Going to Fresno State was a memorable and exciting experience. I have never been to a university before. I had the chance to get an insightful tour of their campus, try their delicious food (lunch was amazing), and make new friends. If you were to make another trip like this, I’d definitely go. ~Stacy Vega

The trip to CSU Fresno was a fantastic day for me! The whole tour was interesting and I really fell in love with the campus. I know it would have been more exciting if my friends came along!!! Hopefully we can go to another great campus soon. Overall, I had a great time! ~ Lliemeles Ortega

Summer Bridge Helps Incoming Freshmen Transition

Do you remember what those first weeks of college were like? Fresh out of high school, the size and scope of a college campus, along with the sheer number of students walking the halls, was daunting. Then, there’s the switching from building to building, locating classes and services, and having to do everything yourself.

Helping students transition to college life is the goal of a program here at Bakersfield College called Summer Bridge. This past August, many people on campus came together to help 35 incoming freshmen learn the ropes and ready themselves for college. Over four days, these students spent 18 hours on campus taking care of business. Many, many more wanted in, but time and space limited how many we could serve.

The students were able to complete their educational plan, visit the Library and Planetarium, take guided tours of the campus, hear from guest speakers, and enjoy a celebratory barbecue on the last day with their families.

Many people at Bakersfield College came together to make Summer Bridge possible, and it is that teamwork and assistance which keeps Bakersfield College strong and viable 100 years after its founding! I’d like to thank Sarah Villasenor, Dawn Dobie, Bonnie Suderman, Tina Johnson, Angela Craft, Tina Chamberlain, the Admissions and Records team, the EOP&S team, the MESA team, the Financial Aid team, the Counseling team, Nick Strobel, Brent Damron, the SGA officers, the Public Safety officers, the entire Food Services staff, the Career and Technical Education team, the Bookstore, the Graphics Department, and Institutional Research. You see, it really does take a village. All these folks came together to help 35 freshmen!

Best of all are the comments from students shared with me by Summer Bridge organizer Dr. Kimberly Van Horne.

The scavenger hunt was a fun activity because it helped me figure out things on campus I didn’t know about. K.L.

The most interesting thing I found at BC was the garden spot where Agriculture hosts its sales and projects. Another was the Renegade Pantry because it prevents students in need to starve or get malnutrition. P.S.

The most interesting thing that we saw was the DUNGEON!!! R.P.

The most useful advice I would give to a student at BC is to never give up and do your best and if you need help all you have to do is ask. H.S.

The most fun activity was going to the Planetarium and discovering the mysteries of the universe like some Zodiac shapes, important stars, and dates it remodeled and reopened. P.S.