From one `Runner to another

CSUB students pass along advice to incoming freshmen

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 26^th, 2020

As summer comes to a close and the fall semester at California State University, Bakersfield begins, some students are embarking on their college journey for the very first time.

While it can be intimidating and overwhelming to start a new journey, new students aren’t alone.

Although things have certainly changed in the midst of the pandemic with a virtual campus, as students prepare for this new chapter, others who have been in similar positions have key advice that they’d like to pass down to the incoming freshmen.

Find a balance

While it’s important for students to devote a lot of time and attention to their studies and academic career, it’s equally as important that they don’t neglect other things that are important to them.

“Something I would like to pass down to incoming freshmen or even continuing college students is to find your balance between school and all of your other commitments,” said Brenden Chase, a biochemistry major.

Student Roxanne Esparza also added to “Seek what sets your heart and soul on fire. Find your creativity whether that be in the sciences or arts and allow yourself to enjoy every bit of your academic and personal journey. Try things that challenge you to grow into a better version of who you want to be. Compliment yourself on all of your successes no matter how small or big they are. Acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey of success and learn to emotionally be present and empathize with others. Do not give up and push yourself to be better every day.”

Utilize office hours

Professors set office hours for a reason, as it gives students a chance to ask questions that they might not have wanted to ask in class or ran out of time for. Frankie De La Pena, vice president of finance for Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), stressed the importance of that.

“Bug your teachers if you have any questions about the material and visit office hours. During the fall of my junior year, I would do homework, study guides and any class content outside of my professor’s door, so if I had any questions, I would ask it then,” said Chase.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

“The most important words I have to share are never underestimate the power of asking for help,” said ASI President Vanessa Chicaiza.

“Throughout your time at CSUB, it is inevitable that you may experience some type of obstacle... that is life and it happens to all of us. However, what is vital to understand is that there is an entire `Runner family that is standing behind you and ready to support you when tough times arise,” Chicaiza added.

Connect with your fellow classmates and support system

Building a small network on campus is important, especially within a student’s major. Students will see a lot of the same familiar faces in classes (or Zoom calls), so it helps to make friends with them and hold each other accountable with class and assignments.

“Make friends with some peers in your class. If you find other motivated students, it will only help you and them to get through the difficult times and classes that are to come,” said Chase.

“Stay connected with your student leaders, student clubs, faculty, and professors. Be kind to yourself and to those around you. Do not lose communication, stay connected,” said Esparza.

Students can connect with their peers through RunnerSync, where a complete list of clubs and organizations are available to scope out and sign up for.

Campus Programming also hosts a variety of events throughout the year from Runner Nights and Homecoming Week to activities throughout Black History Month, International Education Week and more. While those events might not look the same, Programming is working hard to provide alternative options during the virtual fall semester.

ASI is another essential resource for student life on campus – to stay informed and to let their voices be heard with student leaders, as well as meet other fellow students.

Aside from the community students build with those from campus and their classes, students should also hold onto the other important people in their life.

“Take mindful breaks every day to be present with yourself and your family. If you do not live with family, then call them or call your lovely friends. Do not let the pandemic destroy your beautiful support system,” added Esparza.

Buying and renting books

The prices of books can add up, especially when taking 15 units. However, there are several other options that can help students out if it’s out of their price range.

“If a book is really expensive and you don’t want to buy/rent it, the library usually has a copy of it on reserve for students to use for one to two hours,” offered De La Pena.

“A lot of books, especially for general education classes, you can find free PDF versions on the CSUB library website or Google,” De La Pena added.

Other sites, including Chegg and Grammarly are also available to compare textbook prices, and of course, there’s always Amazon.

Use resources on campus

CSUB is a university with a wealth of knowledge to go around through community conversations, speaking engagements and resources on campus. Students can find out more about the various services and resources on campus by following the university’s social media accounts.

During this extended time at home and virtual campus, it’s also important for students to take care of themselves. This year, CSUB Wellness will be offering more resources, tips and other encouragement during this time. More information about these resources can be found on their website.

There are plenty of other channels, resources and social media accounts that will help students stay in-the-know about activities, events, workshops and important dates that students should be aware of.

@csubakersfield
@csubasi
@csubprogramming
@csubsrc
@csubstudenthealthservices
@csubwellness
@csubathletics
@csubbpa
@csubsse
@csubah
@csubnsme

Get involved

Lastly, but certainly not least, although student life might look different this year during a time of virtual campus and social distancing, there will still be opportunities to get involved and for students to let their voices be heard.

“Get involved, look up things you would be interested in doing, and put yourself out there and do it,” said Chase.

There will be a Virtual Club Fair on Sept. 2, which will give students a chance to learn more about the clubs offered and what they’re all about. A reminder email from Student Affairs will be sent closer to the event with the Zoom link and more information, so students should be on the lookout for that in the coming days.

The CSUB community is committed to making the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year as smooth as possible. The faculty and staff are dedicated to easing the transition as much as possible through the programs, service and assistance offered.