Senior Staff Writer

The first time I ever heard of Bakersfield was when I was watching the movie “Cast Away,” starring Tom Hanks. There is a scene in the movie when the shell of a Porta-Potty floats onto shore and on the front it says Bakersfield. Back then, I didn’t really pay attention to it, but now that I think about it, I wonder if the director was trying to be ironic, especially since I hear people complain about how this place is a dump.

Before writing this piece, I wrote down a list of both the good and bad about Bakersfield. I’m sure you can guess which list was longer. One thing that I must say about Bakersfield is that the cost of living is not as bad as larger cities. In comparison to my friends who went to schools in larger cities, I live in a pretty nice place and I can afford to take more trips and vacations out of town than they can. I also like the fact that we aren’t far from Los Angeles. Bakersfield is also more of a family friendly place in comparison to other cities with colleges, which is nice if you’re looking to settle down or retire; as a college student, it’s a little harder to find something to do.

My high school friends don’t like to visit because they feel like there isn’t much going on out here. I have lived here for five years and I can count on one hand how many times they have come to visit for the weekend. When my family or friends want to come and visit they would ask, “What do you do for fun in Bakersfield?” and I almost always reply with “We go out of town.” I guess I could suggest that we go to the mall, but then I remember that I’m 23 not 13. Hanging out at the mall was fun when I was spending my parents’ money.

Another issue that I have with Bakersfield is the weather, especially the heat. I always joke with people about how spring in Bakersfield lasts for about two weeks and then we are forced to suffer the dry heat until about mid-October. Even when the sky is clear and the sun is out, if the temperature is past a certain point, you won’t see too many people outside unless they are near or in a pool. It actually makes me wonder why there isn’t a Wild Water Adventure Park in town.

Senior psychology major Mikeisha Webb, 23, has lived here her entire life and said that she likes living here because Bakersfield is family oriented and so is she. But she also understands why people her age don’t like it here.

“If you want to party, get drunk or something like that, then it’s not the place for you,” Webb said.

I think if you like the small town feel, then Bakersfield is the place for you. But if you prefer the rush of larger cities, then Bakersfield isn’t the place for you.

Bakersfield is one of those places where people have to make something fun to do.

I have to say, some of my best memories while living here weren’t when I was out doing something, it was when I was hanging out with my friends not really doing anything in particular.