Bakersfield College counselors are always kept busy and often work on a first-come-first-serve basis, but an evening counselor is available for students who need educational advice. Cynthia Quintanilla is an adjunct counselor who works closely with the Career Development and Workforce Preparation program. Because some students require a counselor in the evening, the counseling office asked Quintanilla if she was interested in doing evening hours for students.
“I love working with students,” said Quintanilla, “When they walk out those doors, I hope they will have the tools to be successful on this campus.”
Quintanilla is located in the Industrial Technology building in room 205, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“I could help any student about career, academic, probation, counseling, employment services,” said Quintanilla.
On May 18, a new internship program will be offered to BC students. In order to get more information on this internship program, students must ask for an informational pamphlet from Quintanilla.
In September of 2008, the students were able to get this extra help from Quintanilla and her student assistant, Jason Ochoa, computer science major. “I usually help students by updating them into a new semester, find classes, navigate through eureka Web site,” said Ochoa. “It started out slow, but as more students found out about us, it gave us something to do.”
On average, the attendance in the fall semester was 21 students per month, but now there are 23 students a week. “Counselors have been very helpful,” said Quintanilla, “When the counselors can’t take anyone else, they would send them here.”
As the semester progressed, Quintanilla asked faculty to mention about the extra help to their class. Fliers have also been posted in the IT building.
“We see a lot of IT students because we are located here,” said Quintanilla.
Marysela Alvarez, undeclared major, has recently visited Quintanilla during her availability hours. “I’m undeclared, she told me it was OK and that was a huge sense of relief,” said Alvarez. “Now she gave me a clear view, I got some considerations.”
According to Alvarez, Quintanilla has been attentive and comfortable to talk to. “She has given me clear answers and ideas for my major,” said Alvarez. “I want to major in criminal justice or psychology.”
Students can visit Quintanilla on a first-come-first-serve basis, but the waiting line is not so long. Students may contact her by e-mail at [email protected] for more information.
“If students want to see me, I will be here and be willing to help. I invite students to the IT building, come by and say ‘hi’ to me,” said Quintanilla.