For the Fabers, entering college at a young age has become a family tradition.
“I want to dedicate my time to education,” said 13-year-old freshman Natanyh Faber. “I like coming to BC and doing this. It’s a family thing. I don’t want to go to high school.”
After attending school at San Lauren Elementary School in Beardsley for her fifth and sixth grade years, Natanyh decided, just like her 22-year-old brother Josiah, who began attending Bakersfield College when he was 15, that she was ready to focus on her adult-life goals.
“The two years I attended public school, I realized I didn’t like it,” said Natanyh. “There’s too much peer pressure, and it just doesn’t seem to be all about the learning. And I was already having problems with other girls at school.”
Natanyh and Josiah were home schooled by their single mother who, between taking care of three children, is an assistant teacher for a Bible course and is what Josiah explained as something of an entrepreneur.
“We’re all born-again Christians,” said Josiah.
“That’s another thing that keeps us strong in what we do,” added Natanyh. “Our mother raised us well and told us to always go for our goals.”
Natanyh received her high school diploma in fall of 2007 while taking classes sparingly since 2003.
This is her first full 12-unit semester, and she hopes to one day go to a good animal science school to participate in equestrian. Then she wants to join the army for three years like her brother.
“I don’t feel left out or like I’m missing out on anything,” said Natanyh. “I can do everything I want, but first I have to finish up here then I can do the fun stuff.”
Josiah, after first starting classes at BC when he was 15, will be graduating this semester with triple majors in history, animal science and liberal arts.
“I took classes more slowly. I was more focused on classes towards my major, ” said Josiah. “Then I had to leave for three years.”
Josiah was 17 years old when he joined the Army. He was first sent to Iraq and then was released for a short time to enroll in one semester before he was deployed back to Iraq.
“Some day my little sister will do what we are doing, too,” said Josiah.
They both agree that this has made them stronger and more goal-oriented people.
“Doing this means I can go to a medical school for animals much sooner than a lot of other people,” said Natanyh.