A group of students recently had the opportunity to talk to Bakersfield College president Greg Chamberlain, Student Government Association president Tawntannisha Thompson, and president of the Academic Senate Cornelio Rodriquez in a casual conversation over coffee and muffins.

These students had this opportunity as a part of President Scholar Program, a program for freshman students who show academic excellence. They discussed issues such as motivation, social networking, majors, and class transferring.

Chamberlain described the talks as “an opportunity that the president scholars get. [It’s an] opportunity to have a casual get together, and it is just a chance to have a conversation and talk about whatever you want to talk about.”

The conversation had a more laid-back give and take.

“I think that it was really good just to get to know the leadership of the institution you are attending,” said David Caploe, President Scholar member and digital arts major. “They’re really down to earth and friendly. They don’t take their position so seriously that they can’t talk to students. I like just knowing that they are interested individually in what we are doing.”

Chamberlain also enjoys the talks.

“I love it anytime I get a chance to talk to students in an informal setting,” he said. “I do meet with different students periodically, but I love to meet with the president scholars.”

During the talks, the students and teachers talked about social networking and how it affects student lives. The students said that it can waste time and be isolating. But on the other hand, the students believe it could be great for jobs and networking.

Chamberlain has a more negative view. He said, “It is a real issue. People get so involved in social media. Personally, I worry about how that’s impacting their personal, professional and student lives in terms of time, and I also wonder how that effects communication and interaction with people.”

All of the leadership there seemed eager to answer and ask questions and have a discussion with students.

Caploe joined the President Scholar Program to make connections and help him with his schooling.

“The reason I joined is because the program offers really good opportunities to connect with other people that are trying to pursue their careers, their majors, and get good grades,” he said. “We get a  $100 stipend maybe once a year, you get it for books. That’s really one of the benefits, too.”