Before becoming a ‘Runner on the swim and dive team, Jayssielisa Haynes was not the person she wanted to be. She was a junior in high school, battling severe mental health issues.
Not only did getting out of bed and going to school become daunting tasks, but she almost gave up on the one thing that she cherished most: swimming.
Many student-athletes, like Haynes, have hit rough patches in their lives and need a glimmer of hope.
California State University, Bakersfield is able to provide that for them through the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund.
“When I was in my lowest of lows, I never would have thought that I would be where I am today,” said Haynes. “This life that I am working toward seemed so far away and now I feel it is within my reach. My academic success, athletic achievement and personal growth can all be significantly impacted by the support of a scholarship.”
The Roadrunner Scholarship Fund is more than a tax write-off or even simply a way to give back to the community. For those who give, it’s a chance to connect and become part of the CSUB family.
The Roadrunner Scholarship Fund takes student-athletes to the next level in their academics, athletics and in the community.
As the CSUB ‘Runners transition to the Big West Conference this fall, they have ‘Big Goals’ — and with the Kern County community’s help in raising $1 million, they believe they can achieve it.
“There has never been a more important time to support the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund,” said Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, CSUB athletics director.
Student-athlete Ally Barber, a women’s volleyball player, said that the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund represents something much bigger than herself.
“It represents the strong community that I am part of and the unconditional support that it gives me,” Barber said.
It has allowed Barber to define herself as a scholar, an athlete and a leader, while also giving her the opportunity to pursue her professional goals.