Bakersfield College graduation holds special moments for all - By N.L. Belardes
I had the pleasure of attending the Bakersfield College ceremonies last week where local blogger Flower in the Dale graduated…
I remember the days when I went to Bakersfield College. There used to be trees by the big letters in the stadium. One year the trees caught on fire during the 4th of July. It was better than the show… but not better than that late 1980s national championship Junior College football game I saw where Jason Pendleton kicked a winning field goal. At least that’s how my old brain remembers the game. Someone ask Ishmael Kimbrough III (Alumni and BC professor).
It’s always great to see people succeed. Not everybody has the commitment and drive to follow through with educational goals. Many lose interest or attempt schools they can’t handle, or drop out completely. Not Flower in the Dale. She followed through with her studies and is moving on to a four year school.
The speech givers.
Flower in the Dale gets ready to move on...
There were many successes in the crowd:
A boy genius… son of Andy Noise... do you know the connection to the Bakersfield music scene?
A local filmmaker with Beyond Faith Films…
A security guard looked like he was going to arrest this lady. Just kidding.
The orchestra pauses for an Uno game
The walk of shame between cheering professors
And of course Flower in the Dale who has overcome many obstacles to grace the steps of higher education. One of my favorite photos ever was this picture taken of her grandfather as he was overcome with tears of joy. A beautiful moment. A beautiful evening, and just the beginning of Flower's road to higher education and success.
I remember the days when I went to Bakersfield College. There used to be trees by the big letters in the stadium. One year the trees caught on fire during the 4th of July. It was better than the show… but not better than that late 1980s national championship Junior College football game I saw where Jason Pendleton kicked a winning field goal. At least that’s how my old brain remembers the game. Someone ask Ishmael Kimbrough III (Alumni and BC professor).
It’s always great to see people succeed. Not everybody has the commitment and drive to follow through with educational goals. Many lose interest or attempt schools they can’t handle, or drop out completely. Not Flower in the Dale. She followed through with her studies and is moving on to a four year school.
The speech givers.
Flower in the Dale gets ready to move on...
There were many successes in the crowd:
A boy genius… son of Andy Noise... do you know the connection to the Bakersfield music scene?
A local filmmaker with Beyond Faith Films…
A security guard looked like he was going to arrest this lady. Just kidding.
The orchestra pauses for an Uno game
The walk of shame between cheering professors
And of course Flower in the Dale who has overcome many obstacles to grace the steps of higher education. One of my favorite photos ever was this picture taken of her grandfather as he was overcome with tears of joy. A beautiful moment. A beautiful evening, and just the beginning of Flower's road to higher education and success.
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Wednesday, May 17, 2006.
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A big CONGRATS to Flower for getting through the gauntlet known as "higher education". It's never easy but its worth the trip :)
NL...
You captured me at a star moment! Thanks for your support and commitment to my education and encouragment that was given to overcome! You've been a support system while others were busy, and when life was rough...Thanks again!
Luv,
Flower
Grandpa was full of joy... after all I am the first in our family to obtain a college degree and he finally can see tangible proof for all the homework I've done while visiting him on Sundays.
1980... You was at a championship football game? You know what I was doing in 1980...sucking a bottle! And all of you whom talk to me all the time know that my mommie nursed me so it really wasn't a bottle...but, I must be polite.
Smiles,
Flower
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