college experience

There’s something transformative that occurs throughout the month of August. You don’t notice when it approaches, riding the high of the continuing summer months.

I’m hoping to make life as pleasant as possible this semester — especially if it means I get to play the insufferable main character of my indie film. 

However fulfilling (or not) my future may become, I’ve been trying to remember that I still have myself, and this singular existence is still something special that I have as my own.

Dorm living. The epitome of the real American college experience. At least, so they say. The dorm life comes with a host of feelings and experiences that are truly unique and only understood by those who have braved the journey. Chances are, if you’re a freshman, you’re actively experiencing the experience at the moment. If you’re an upperclassman, perhaps you can reminisce on it. Or not.    

As I prepare for my senior year at UC Berkeley, I find myself in a state of self-reflection. I look back at my past years, all the things I’ve experienced and think about how they’ve all led me to where I am now. As I approach my last year of undergrad, I’m filled with excitement, angst, nerves, gratitude and every emotion I could imagine.

I felt like my life was now in Berkeley, where most of my friends and happiest memories reside, and coming back home felt like leaving that all behind. Home no longer felt like home.

My clasped control on my manicured identity had given me multiple eating disorders and a vapid social circle with no one to really talk to.

Although my achievements as a first-generation student are something I’m proud of, I can’t help but sometimes dread in the shadows of it — and it makes me feel terrible. I should always be happy for the opportunities given to me that my family never received. Yet, I find myself in moments of solitude, guilt and pressure that being a first-generation student has presented to me.

While it’s been exciting to return, it's also a complete change from what we’ve been used to. If you’re struggling with the transition, we've got some tips to cope.

Whether you’re cynical about your time at UC Berkeley or you've had the time of your life here, here are some tips on how to give balanced advice to those prospective Bears in your life.