make a point of pursuing activities that are associated with the region where I live, that I might not be able to pursue elsewhere

It’s a separate goal, but I’ve found a new connection in this neighborhood, to one of the ranchers in the southern outskirts. So, maybe.

And I have no intentions of remaining here if grad school allows relocation.

I’ve attended a college outside of my home area wanting to explore other corners of the world, and ended up depressed instead, losing all interest and not seeing a single part of Bakersfield except for what I pass in my commute every day. LOL So, I have at least one year left, possibly another two years. What’s there to do here? I mean besides night clubs. I hate night clubs. And the local low-brow art scene hasn’t worked for me either. Anything else? There’s gotta be something, even if we have to make our own fun.