University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

College shattered many of my conceptions about knowledge and the world. For most of my childhood, concepts and ideas were presented so finely and neatly that I supposed all knowledge was so: that discoveries came packed in gift-wrapped boxes, and that understanding amounted to boiling things down into infinitesimal categories in a sort of sorting game. But I've come to learn everything is a lot more complex than that. The stock of human knowledge is the product of thousands of years of human labor, and what we know (or think we know) is constantly in flux. College gave me the perspective to see how we got here--what strides the human mind has made over centuries, and what assets it needs to make them again. I learned that reductionist models about how the world works--however useful--should never be confused with the world itself; that divisions among people by race, class, or even by field of study are by and large mental constructions that can be overcome. College was world-shattering for me, but my world needed reconstructing anyway. Today I'm a better thinker for it, and (I hope) a better person.

I entered college with a stomach full of nerves. I was an academically focused throughout high school, enrolled in the I.B. Program and president of the on campus math club. I went from taking calculus my junior year of highschool to the fine arts department at the University of Arizona. Needless to say, I thought I would fail. College has helped me to develop another side of my personality, while maintain the ability to be that analytical bookworm. I am double majoring in Theatre and Math Education, and the amalgamation between the B.A. and the B.S. has been nothing but helpful, as nightly I switch between math and acting homework. My education has further helped me, as I learn to blend these two subject areas, using my knowledge cross curricularly to further develop my work in each respective area. I am loving school, finals and all, as it really does make me happy in every way, both intellectually and artistically.

from collage i have gotten more of a sense of urgency and responsibility. Having to get up at 6 in the morning to go learn your craft kind of doses that to you. Also I have to learn to deal with my priorities of life because my school counts every minute that you’re not in class against you. Basically what I’m trying to say is collages is the step from teenager status to adult and this collage is really reinforcing that in me.

I have had some great teachers who take the time to explain in depth and give students one on one lessons. I have very high goals for myself and want to provide for my infant son and I believe my college will provide just that. This school will allow me to acheive all my goals and become the nurse I would like to be.

Besides the obvious answer of knowledge in my field of study, I have gotten many other amazing experiences. The first of which is my view of the world. Being around so many intelligent people coming from all different walks of life has allowed me to see similarities in people that I never could have seen before. My peers are of all different race, gender, political view, country of origin, as well as many more traits. These have, with my experiences so far at UC Berkeley, allowed me to understand important differences as well as see how the differences make us even more alike as we pursue knowledge together. Another experience is the independence surrounding college and the preparation for the rest of my life that comes with this. This can be seen in methods of study I must use to succeed, for example should I work in a group, work alone, or ask for help? Collage is making sure I refine this in a way that suits my individual needs best. I believe that finding the balance between handling problems on my own and seeking out help for problems that are better accomplished with those more experienced is very important.

I was very afraid to leave my hometown and family and explore a whole new world, but it has been the best experience of my life so far. I have met the most intellectual people in Berkeley and they are so fun and lovely. I feel that without those people I would be so alone and lost, but I have seen the most nice and caring people in my life. Now in UC Berkeley, I truly know what a challenge is, this school is so difficult and there is a huge workload at the same time we are getting tested. I feel very honored attending such a prestigious school, because I am not only a woman, but I am a Mexican American woman, making me such a minority. I just feel like everything is possible and it has made me see that even minorities in America have the chance to go somewhere, they just have to take it, and that is what I am doing, I am taking my chance.

UC Berkeley is arguably one of the best universities in the world. The students are so academically driven, yet display a true passion for learning and expanding their known horizons. There is so much spirit for football games, political happenings, and music and cultural events. Students are creative and brilliant and are not hesitant to display their gifts. Professors are very engaging and challenging but approachable; they want to develop strong academic relationships with their students. We have the very best graduate students teaching the smaller sections, each so dedicated and diligent in his or her field. Considering this is a public school, the quality of education far surpasses anything one could receive at a private school. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations for every student possible, whether it be a magazine for environmental sustainability or a world-renown Christian organization. There are very few hate crimes, but if there happens to be one, thousands of students will come together to protest the event peacefully and wisely, not imfringing on anyone else's right. I am proud to be a Cal Alum. Go Bears!

Attending college has given me the privilege of interacting with other people who are also seeking to learn more about the world. We live in a society where it is easy for us to become self-absorbed and ignore the going-ons off the world around us, and being surrounded by people who do care is a refreshing change. I love waking up in the morning and knowing that I will probably meet someone who feels the same way about an issue as I do. Or, better yet, who feels differently about it. Being a college student provides me with the opportunity to meet not only people who share my beliefs, but others who completely oppose it as well. By becoming familiar with these people as well as my fellow believers I can strengthen my morals and principles. College is the door to knowledge.

I have been blessed to have met so many talented and aspiring peers here at college. It has been most eye-opening and awe-inspiring to be here with so many different others.

For some young men and women, the minuscule thirteen years of grade school fill those students' appetite for education, but for others the craving to push onward becomes insatiable. I fall into the latter category, but please do not perceive me as somebody I am not: I was not valedictorian or anywhere near that high scholarly point; nevertheless, my heart burns with desire to successfully complete a college degree. Why though? I possess a drive to succeed because I want to know that I am in control of my future. When I hear people above my time speaking about their childhood, I realize that this opportunity that lies before me is simply unprecedented. Today, almost every single student has the ability to continue their education, and for me, I will value and cherish this gift. This gift is almost like a lotto ticket that's already been proven to be the million dollar winner; the only question now is if I will pursue the benefits of it. From here on out, obtaining the full value is my responsibility.