As my final Fall semester at UC Berkeley comes to a close, I am reflecting on my time as an undergraduate student here. Through this reflection, I realized many things about myself and how I’ve grown throughout my time at Berkeley. Let’s have a look at some of the things I’ve learned and hopefully my stories can help provide you guidance with your college experience.
If you don’t like your lower division major classes, maybe consider changing your major
A common thought I had throughout my lower division classes was “yeah, I don’t really like these classes, but when I get to my upper division major classes I’ll like those better.” While this is true for some people, for me it was not the full truth. Don’t get me wrong, I’m interested in my major and I do enjoy learning about molecular biology, but the lower division fundamentals do not magically go away. Those classes are required because they impact the upper division courses and the content always comes back. This then caused a rude awakening for me when I hit my upper division courses and it was too late for me to switch my major. Even now, as I’ve continued with my major, I’m unsure what I will be doing after graduation and whether or not I am going to use my major in my future career. Regardless, I do not have regrets staying with my major as it still interests me academically, just maybe not professionally.
Don’t waste your time on clubs who are not worth your time
This is a big one and truly important. For me, I spent so much time on this one organization just to be tossed aside when I spoke up about a matter that meant something to me. Yet, despite that, I still stayed around because I felt a commitment to the organization and hoped things would get better. Despite this experience, I find it necessary for my personal growth as I would not have learned this lesson otherwise. It is important to always remember your worth and recognize situations and organizations that are not serving you nor bringing you joy. Since leaving this club, I’ve been enjoying my time more and have more time to do things that bring me joy and fulfillment with my last year at Berkeley.
Explore your options and minor if possible
I came into Berkeley with one pathway in mind and decided I wanted to continue with that path despite not finding joy in the work. It took me until Junior year to finally make modifications to my plan and I’m so glad I made the switch. I added my minor in Public Policy and am starting and completing it during my Senior year. This choice helped me solve my minor existential crisis by providing me with additional options to explore my interests and potential career plans. I highly recommend keeping your mind open when coming to university and allowing yourself time to explore and change your plan if that’s where your path leads.
Studying abroad was essential to my personal development and growth
I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia during my Spring semester of Junior year and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I truly loved being in Sydney and having the opportunity to live abroad and explore a new country. This experience allowed me to gain essential life skills through my traveling and planning as well as adjusting to a new culture. My time abroad challenged me to expand my worldview and abilities while also allowing me to feel a sense of true independence as I was all the way across the Pacific Ocean from the rest of my family and friends. Beyond the life skills gained, studying abroad was essential for my mental health and personal enjoyment by providing me with a semester of fun and adventure in Australia. UCEAP (UC Education Abroad Program) has offerings all over the world and I highly highly recommend studying abroad when you attend university, you will not regret it.
Those were some of the main standouts as I reflect on my time at UC Berkeley. I hope it helps you navigate college life, and, if not, hopefully you enjoyed reading about my experiences!