In the heart of Kern County, students and parents alike gathered at College Night to explore the infinite possibilities awaiting them in the world of higher education. Scott Raymoure, a member of the College and Career Programs department at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, highlighted the event’s goal.
“The most important thing for us is that students see how many opportunities they have available to them, ready to give them the inspiration they need to move on to whatever their dreams are. A lot of times they might think that there’s just no pathway, and we want to show them that it’s right in front of them,” Raymoure passionately expressed.
High school seniors Savannah Johns and Meredith Padilla echoed this sentiment, excitedly looking forward to the array of college options. Johns shared her anticipation for the diverse range of colleges, including her mother’s workplace, CSU Bakersfield(CSUB). Which she described as “a really nice place.”
Arturo Avila, an academic advisor at CSUB, emphasized the value of the CSU, stating, “We’ve been in the field, so we try to get you into our network. Also, speaking to faculty to make sure that you are aware of where you want to go. So I think that’s why CSUB is one of the most valuable assets for students.”
However, the financial aspect of higher education remained a concern for many students, as highlighted by Melissa Rodriguez. She candidly admitted, “But I think in terms of tuition it’s a lot, so that does concern me. I’d need to get a job to help; tuition’s are pretty big.”
Raymoure offered valuable advice for all students to: “Talk to their counselors at their schools and really find out the details about the grants and scholarships. For example, even with UC’s, they’ve got these blue and gold grants, and unless their parents make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the grants can pay for at least half of, maybe 80% of it,” said Raymoure.
Avila, a first-generation college student himself, reassured students about financial aid options, saying, “Tuition may be a scary point, but there are scholarships, there are different aids available for students. So definitely making sure to ask us those questions as advisors… We will guide you in the right direction.”
Bryan Payne, an associate professor at Taft College, encouraged students to consider starting at a junior college to save on expenses before transferring to a four-year college. “Nobody’s going to see it when you get your degree and it says you went to Taft College. It’s going to show where you graduated from that four-year college,” he explained.
Maurine Armenta, a parent of a high school junior, expressed her support for her son’s ambition to become a forensic investigator. She mentioned the affordability of college when she attended but was uncertain about current rates. “I don’t know what the going rate is right now. You know, when I went to Bakersfield College, it was like $15 per unit and if it was $15 now, that would be great,but I know it’s not, and I don’t really don’t know what the rates are right now,” said Armenta.
Mayor Karen Goh of Bakersfield summed up the event by emphasizing the importance of local education. She remarked, “There are so many students here who are now getting exposed to opportunities that they might never have considered. I am grateful that CSUB has a very strong presence here. The runners indeed are rising, and it’s so important for students to realize that they have an opportunity to get an outstanding education right here locally in Bakersfield.”
