Mary Huynh

Elmwood is a part of town I often forget, completely opposite to where I live and work. To add some excitement to my life, I explored the area and found so much fun stuff to do alone or with friends.

I want to share some prompts that you can tackle when you’re out of town for a weekend. They might help if you’ve ever felt like living in Berkeley has caused a sense of loneliness that feels difficult to overcome.

The arts and humanities accentuate some of the greatest things life has to offer, that it does in fact make the world a better place

I think to be the eldest sibling is to take on this burden that is complicated, confusing and overwhelming, a burden that we would volunteer to endure again if it was somehow our choice. I would choose to be the one to care and love my brother in any universe.

The Moon Festival for my family signals a changing of the seasons, a time to reflect and show appreciation for one another in ways we may have forgotten to express in the busy chaos of the fun summer months.

Getting cozy and watching TV or reading a good book is my favorite part of fall. As the outdoors seem more chilly and uninviting, these are my favorite things to get comfy and enjoy with company or alone. Pair with pumpkin or cinnamon flavored treats, hot tea or cocoa and fluffy bedding to celebrate the start of October in the best way.

Dating in college is difficult, emotional and exciting all at the same time. As people start getting into their first serious relationships or find themselves in one going against the ticking time bomb of graduation, I’d love to talk about my experience falling in love and whether I think it’s worth it in a limited and quickly fleeting time like college.

Burning out is an experience we laugh off and deem as normal when it shouldn’t be. We can’t lessen our course loads or make it any easier but we can take care of ourselves and see mental health as something just as important as our studies.

For incoming freshman and transfer students, dressing and acting like a local, seasoned student is just as important as having a post-grad job offer before you graduate. I’ve made this comprehensive list of all the things you will need daily for school in order to not only fit in but remain prepared for the rest of your time here!

My one piece of advice for any student at UC Berkeley is that it is okay to not have an internship. Time taken to recuperate and figure your life out is not time that is wasted. You are on the right track, and you are doing enough. If you aren’t, like I am, that’s okay too.