While some kids may be stuck on video games or TV, there’s one kid that’s stuck in the books at Bakersfield College.
That kid is 16-year-old Frontier High School and BC student Alex Floriano.
Floriano shares his story of what it’s like to be an adolescent juggling college and high school life, while trying to enjoy the pleasures of being a normal teenager.
“I’m always busy during the day, but I knew that it would help me achieve my goals sooner in becoming a pharmacist if I started taking some college classes,” said Floriano.
While attending Norris Middle School, Floriano was contacted early on by his principal that suggested he challenge his eighth-grade academic abilities by taking online concurrent classes, and to also look into taking college courses once he reached his current high school grade level.
Floriano’s ability to keep his grade point average up has helped his reputation of being a responsible student.
“It can be difficult, but I’ve always kept myself at a 3.5 and above,” said Floriano.
Not only does Floriano manage to keep his responsibilities of high school and college stable, but he also finds himself being a loving son, friend, and older brother to his younger sibling.
“These are the things I cherish most in my life: my mom, my stepdad, and my little brother,” said Floriano.
Floriano recently took time to celebrate his birthday by going out to dinner and spending time with his family and friends.
“Usually when I finish my homework and chores at home, I like to take the time to skateboard with my buddies, and that’s usually not often,” said Floriano.
Floriano also enjoys: video games, his cell phone, energy drinks, communicating with his friends over Facebook, and wearing clothing that accentuates his personality.
He is taking two classes that target his future goal of being a pharmacist that include a communication and nutrition class.
“I’d like to be a pharmacist because it takes a big responsibility of giving people the right medication that leads to a more healthy community,” said Floriano.
Floriano’s advice for other teens that are trying to pursue their goals is, “to stay positive and you got to stay out of trouble, because once you’re in trouble, you can’t get anything right.”
Floriano will attend BC while finishing high school to pursue his dream of, “one day having a stable job as a pharmacist and also having a family that I will one day be able to support.”
He encourages teens his age to take the opportunity of going to college and use it for everything it’s worth.