My New Year’s resolution is to say yes to things—trying new things, seeing new things, and having new experiences. College life at Berkeley is not all about academics and careers; it is also my time to have fun. Given that a lot of my friends are graduating this semester, we gathered and made a collaborative list of things we needed to do together. The list ranges from going to Cal basketball games to trying new food places and, essentially, just saying yes to things. We promised each other that we would say yes instead of spending time scrolling through social media, and these are some of the things I have said yes to recently.
Going to Cheeseboard. I love going to The Cheeseboard Collective Pizzeria to check out the daily menu that changes and, more importantly, to enjoy the live music offered throughout the night. The night I went, there was a jazz band playing, which added to the chill, relaxed atmosphere. My friend and I ordered the daily special pizza with baby spinach and feta cheese—of course, with the famous green sauce that makes it even more flavorful. There was a line filled with students grabbing dinner and adults taking evening strolls with their dogs, but it moved pretty quickly. By the time we finally got our slices, the first bite of the warm pizza after the wait was more than good—it was soooo good.
Going to San Francisco. For Berkeley students, the Bay Pass makes it incredibly easy to go to San Francisco—for free. My friends and I decided to take advantage of it and head into the city to try La Taqueria, known for its Mission-style burritos and often considered one of the best burrito spots in the Bay Area. There was already a long line around the corner when we arrived, which meant about a 20-minute wait, but it was completely worth it. The carne asada super burrito was amazing, and the toasted tortilla made the texture even better. It was another item checked off my bucket list. It is always a refreshing change in scenery to go to San Francisco and experience a bit of the city life outside of Berkeley.
That same day also happened to be when Red Bull Racing had a show run. Formula 1 cars and other Red Bull motorsports vehicles drove up and down Marina Blvd. As a big fan of Formula 1 and cars, I said yes to this event with no hesitation. Not only was I mesmerized by the smell of gasoline and the sound of tires against the asphalt, but I was also fascinated by the entire sensory experience. The thrill of speed and the technical mechanics behind it made me think about the physics and aerodynamics behind the scenes, along with the intersection of forces that make it all possible. It ended up being the perfect way to spend a day away from Berkeley while exploring my personal passions and appreciating the learning behind it all.
Going to Holi. Holi, the Hindu “Festival of Colors,” celebrates spring. The event, hosted by the Indian Student Association, took place in the Foothill parking lot and was crowded with hundreds, if not thousands, of students. People were throwing vibrant powders and water to symbolize love and joy. My friends and I grabbed different colored powders, and by the end of the event, we looked like walking palettes, covered in every color imaginable. It was so fun not only to immerse myself in a new culture but also to share the experience with my friends. On our way back, someone asked why we were so colorful, and we answered, “It’s called Holi!” Throughout the event, people were greeting each other with “Happy Holi,” and the whole scene felt beautiful—gradients of color filling the air while people from different backgrounds came together to celebrate such a unique tradition.
Waking Up Early for Daylight Saving Time. One of my favorite spots in Berkeley is Boichik Bagels, which actually started in Berkeley and has since become known as one of the best bagel spots in California. I especially love their everything bagel with chive cream cheese. They hosted an event for Daylight Saving Time where anyone who showed up before 9 AM wearing pajamas could get a free bagel. There was no way my friends and I were going to miss that opportunity. We woke up at 8 AM (which technically felt like 7 AM before the time change) and walked down College Avenue to Boichik. I will be honest—I was extremely tired when I woke up, but the taste of a fresh bagel in the morning somehow made me instantly awake and feel productive. It was also funny seeing everyone show up in pajamas, especially when we realized that one of my friends was wearing the same outfit as me.
Last but not least, enjoying the sunlight. One thing I love about Berkeley is that even when the sun is out, there is always a breeze from the Bay, so it never gets too hot. With the weather becoming sunnier recently, I have been taking advantage of it by sitting on the Glade with my coffee or going to my friend’s balcony to read a book and tan. It feels like a small preview of what my summer is going to look like. Spring is my favorite season, and I keep telling myself it is finally time to clean out my closet—no more puffers and sweaters. I can finally wear my tank tops and shorts and really enjoy the sun. It is actually kind of funny because some of my friends who go to school on the East Coast have been telling me about snowstorms and how harsh the weather is. Meanwhile, whenever I call them, I get to tell them about how warm and sunny Berkeley is. I am trying my best to soak in the sunlight and the happiness that comes with it.
Saying yes to new things has allowed me to gain new experiences and spend meaningful time with the people I love. I am excited to see what other experiences come next—and to keep saying yes to the little moments that make Berkeley life so memorable.