The countdown to the end of the semester is on, but the pressure of finals is building up on students.
“I’m so stressed out about the English 1 P.H.E.E.,” said Christie Hankins, 35, accounting major.
Although Hankins currently has a high grade in the class, if she does not pass the P.H.E.E., she will not pass the class, thus postponing graduation for another semester.
Graduation is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 20 at BC’s Memorial Stadium.
“The greatest thing that I will take away from BC is simply the learning experience,” said Hankins. However, there are other students that look at graduation in a different light.
“I’m just glad to have this part of my education out of the way. Now I can transfer and get out of Bakersfield,” said Ashley Villanueva, 20, liberal arts.
While Villanueva is deciding between San Diego State and Fresno State for work on her B.A., Hankins is headed to Cal State Bakersfield to pursue a B.A. in accounting.
“I want to work for a CPA firm after college,” said Hankins.
Although Hankins and Villanueva value their time spent at BC differently, they do agree that finals at the end of the semester are not helpful, and do not benefit the students.
“I think finals should not be cumulative, they should be designed to cover information that is currently being studied in classes, not information from the entire semester,” Villanueva said.
“Finals put too much pressure on students, and if you are already doing well in a class and have a good grade, then I don’t think that you should even have to take a final,” said Hankins.
Nevertheless, passing their finals is a priority and moves them one step closer to walking across that stage at the commencement ceremony.
Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to the ceremony. Free parking will be available for all commencement guests.
A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate that participates in the ceremony with BC President Bill Andrews, as they receive their diplomas.
“I advise new students and continuing ones not to give up. I have been in the hospital three times since my journey at BC began, I have had relationship problems and it was tough, but don’t let yourself get derailed,” said Hankins.
“Stay focused, keep working hard and you can achieve your goals,” said Villanueva.