Around 140 NSME grads walk stage at fall commencement

‘You put in the work and keep going, and eventually this day happens’

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 18^th, 2024

College students often feel like graduation remains a far-off milestone. Even as it draws nearer, there are still some classes to get through or tests yet to take. When the day finally comes — as it did for hundreds of California State University, Bakersfield graduates at two commencement ceremonies on Saturday — it can feel a little surreal.

“You put in the work and keep going, and eventually this day happens,” said biology student Erika Walker ahead of the afternoon ceremony. “It feels like a million years ago that I first started school, and it feels like last week.”

Walker is one of around 140 students from CSUB’s College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering who participated in the second of two graduation ceremonies held at Mechanics Bank Arena. Before students crossed the stage to receive their diploma, CSUB President Dr. Vernon Harper spoke to them in an address.

“Graduates, each of you came to CSUB with a unique vision for your future,” Dr. Harper said. “But there is one common belief that guided every Roadrunner in this arena: You had the audacity to act on your dreams. You recognized that a university degree is still the most powerful tool for personal and professional advancement for yourselves, your families and your communities.”

In biology, Walker found a way to follow her two passions: crime and cats. She said she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life until she was 35, when she realized the work she saw being done in countless episodes of “Forensic Files” was a real job she could pursue. Walker has already interned for the Kern Regional Crime Lab and hopes to become an official member of their team in the new year. Before that, she plans to complete keeper training at Project Survival Cat Haven, where she currently volunteers as a docent.

Family has been a major source of support for Walker, who wore the very same cap and gown her husband previously wore when he graduated from CSUB in 2011. She hopes to inspire her nephew and nieces to use education as a way to better their own lives in the future.

“It’s really impactful, working through it, pushing through the hard parts and finishing,” she said.

Fellow biology student Grace Ude, 23, said she felt like she was in denial about graduating right up until the moment she took her seat at the arena. As the messages of congratulations poured in, Ude realized she really did make it through college.

Ude finished her degree a year later than she planned and initially struggled with the disappointment as she watched others graduate before her. But instead of dwelling, she decided to make the most of her extra year, completing research with Dr. Rae McNeish, working on campus and socializing with classmates more.

With her family in the stands cheering her on — including her little brother who was her main motivation to finish — it was finally Ude’s turn to graduate.

“I felt less than (when I couldn’t graduate on time) but I feel accomplished now,” she said. “I actually did it; I’m making my family proud. It’s a complete contrast to how I felt before. I wasn’t the first graduate in the family, but I can be the next one.”

Around 140 NSME grads walk stage at fall commencement

Electrical engineering students Jesus Estrada, 22, and Matthew Paysse, 25, were both excited to be graduating. Next up for both is a job hunt: Estrada hopes to work in the oil industry, while Paysse would like to work for a big engineering firm.

“It feels like I’m moving onto the next stage of my life,” Paysse said.

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Estrada said. “It’s a relief off my shoulders, being a first-generation graduate.”

Public health graduate Kimberly Sandoval, 22, is also making history for her family.

“I’m their first college graduate, so for me, it’s a symbol that they raised us well and all their hard work paid off,” she said.

Sandoval had her entire family, her best friend and her significant other in attendance for the ceremony. She’s not sure what’s next for her and is considering joining the Air Force to continue her education with a nursing degree.

“I want to use my degree, see how many doors it opens,” she said. “I have so many interests. I want to help people, especially my community. I know what struggles we have, and I want to be that helping hand.”