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17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

Jaidyn Conner started college at 13, now sets sight on MBA program

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 2^nd, 2021

It was spring 2017 when 13-year-old Jaidyn Conner stepped onto the California State University, Bakersfield campus as a college freshman.

“Coming here at 13, surrounded by a bunch of adults — it’s something that was a little bit intimidating,” she said.

It was her first time on a school campus since elementary school.

Conner started school in Bakersfield, her hometown, when she was 2 years old. She spent a year attending preschool in Texas before moving back to Bakersfield to continue her education. She went to Rosedale North for second grade until Conner and her father moved to Tampa, Florida.

Moving to Tampa allowed Conner to develop relationships with her large family.

She continued public schooling through fifth grade when a teacher suggested Florida’s virtual schooling option. Reflecting on that time period, Conner and her father recall being optimistic about the ability for her to study at her own pace while maintaining freedom in their lifestyle.

“I learned to speed read and speed type. So when it comes to online school, I could read the story, take a test, write a paper — and that allowed me to advance through assignments and grades quickly,” she said. “I ended up completing seven grades in two-and-a-half years, which is how I graduated high school at the age of 12.”

Raised by a single father since she was 1 year old, Conner remembers talking with her dad about college options.

“I thought, how cool would it be to go to college in my hometown where I’d be surrounded by family members and friends?”

While her peers were wrapping up seventh grade, Conner interviewed with CSUB’s associate vice president of enrollment management, and was accepted into the university shortly thereafter.

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

A knack for business is in her blood

When asked how she is able to succeed in college at such a young age, “family” is a running theme.

Her father, Dylan, taught Conner to read at the age of 3, working with her every day. Through the years, he encouraged her to practice reading, math and typing — which meant she improved her knowledge retention. She credits his unwavering support for much of her success.

“Something that I was always a believer in is that it is the parent’s responsibility to actually teach their child,” Dylan Conner said, “I felt that teaching her at home, and then having her go to school with a head start, would set her up for the greatest level of success.”

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Conner has been working with clients as a private tutor. She is also employed at the university and sells artwork (painting is a creative outlet for her) — a clear sign of her entrepreneurial spirit.

Conner has also used her business acumen to serve a number of student clubs and organizations at CSUB. She remembers her first day of college, when, despite being a half-a-decade younger than most students, Conner walked into the Student Union and joined a myriad of student groups.

Since 2017, Conner has been involved in many extracurricular clubs, organizations or programs, often serving as treasurer or in a leadership role. Most notably, she was the Director of Clubs and Organizations Outreach for Associated Students, Inc. and is a member of the Entrepreneurship Club.

“I think student life is a big part of what makes CSUB stand out,” she said. “I ran for Homecoming court my freshman year, and it was an amazing experience. Getting to walk across the Icardo Center and getting crowned while having my family in the stands supporting me — that was definitely a memorable experience.”

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

“Jewel in the crown of CSUB”

Conner said that in addition to family support, she is grateful to CSUB faculty and staff who have provided her with critical resources to excel academically. The Center for Career Education and Community Engagement, Writing Resource Center, Tutoring Services and faculty office hours have been particularly helpful.

Dr. Jeremy Woods, associate professor of management and faculty adviser to the Entrepreneurship Club, called Conner a “prodigy.” He said his goal as a professor is to help the next generation fully self-actualize, and try to make humanity better tomorrow than it is today. With students like Conner, he said “the world is in good hands.”

“It’s so rare that a kid that starts undergrad at 13 is as great and well-adjusted as Jaidyn,” Dr. Woods said. “Jaidyn has so much talent, so much initiative and so much passion to make a positive impact in the world.”

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

Conner recently began working with Dr. Woods on a project exploring the commercial potential of biochar (charcoal made out of agricultural waste). Dr. Woods, along with Dr.

Zhongzhe Liu and Dr. Luis Cabrales from the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. While Dr. Liu and Dr. Cabrales are working on the engineering and science side of the project, Dr. Woods and Conner are focused on the entrepreneurship angle.

As a part of the project, Conner will develop workshop curriculum which she will deliver to engineering students working in agricultural waste and entrepreneurship. She will also help place students into internships with local ag, energy and aerospace companies.

“She takes initiative, she solves problems, she thinks outside the box — and she’s also relentlessly diligent, open-mindedly humble and transparently cooperative,” Dr. Woods said of Conner’s work ethic.

“She is a true jewel in the crown of CSUB. We’re really lucky to have her.”

After graduating this month, Conner hopes to pursue her MBA at CSUB. She eventually wants to earn a Ph.D. and return to CSUB as a professor.

“I’m so honored, honestly, to have the opportunities I have had,” Conner said. “After all the hard work I’ve put in, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel — and I’m really excited to be graduating this fall.”

17-year-old to graduate from CSUB with bachelor’s degree

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Footnotes

Story by Dr. Esra Hashem, director of marketing and communications; Video by EJ Medellin, multimedia student assistant; Photos by Juan Rodriguez, photographer/videographer, and provided by Jaidyn Conner

FootNotes

Story by Dr. Esra Hashem, director of marketing and communications; Video by EJ Medellin, multimedia student assistant; Photos by Juan Rodriguez, photographer/videographer, and provided by Jaidyn Conner

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