I am hereee!!

Hey guys,
So if you couldn't tell by my title, I am FINALLY at Cal!! Woot, woot, go Bears!!
It's been a pretty exciting two weeks. For an international student like me, orientation was pretty informative (Berklish 101, anyone?) and I also got to meet a whole bunch of people who, just like me, had dived into American culture head first. This is my first trip to the States, and I am loving it!

Can I just mention how much I'm loving Cal too? I've been here for just over a week, and already walking through campus I feel like I belong here and I just cant help but smile! It's crazy, but Lower Sproul, Sather Gate, the Campanile... all things I'd heard about so much but never, ever seen and now they're right here! There's something in hearing the bells of the Campanile throughout the day that instills a sense of euphoria in me. (Ask me again in two weeks, when all the bells will remind me of is that I have class and homework due, and I may have a different reaction :P)

I managed to do my laundry and not make my clothes pink, which was definitely an achievement. Motivation is no issue either, I'm surrounded by people exactly like me, we work hard but we make time to play a hand of cards in the common room every so often. Being on my own is definitely a pretty liberating feeling. Being completely in charge of my own time, even my own clothes, for the first time is terrifying, but we have some pretty awesome "parties" down in the laundry room if I do say so myself. You'd be surprised at the number of bumbling students just like me who've never reaaaaally had to do their laundry before!

So here I am, Cal, just about as ready as I can be.
From my own short experience, I can tell you, if you're new here, like me, go get lost on campus. It's probably the best thing that could happen to you right now ;)
You see, I'm so excited to be here that even my thoughts seem slightly disconnected!
I can't wait to explore some more, but for now, I should head back to my desk. All that reading to do!!

Hope you're all enjoying yourself,
Go Bears!
Surmayee

Summer is Over :)

This summer was amazing and life-changing for me. I got to intern at an immigration law firm in Los Angeles and I was also a mentor for the Ameson Education program sponsored by the Office of Undergrad Admissions. Ameson was a two-week summer host program at Berkeley for around fifty high school students from China who were paired off with eight Berkeley students, who became their mentors. I had six students in my group. We were told the students all spoke English. I was shocked when some of my students weren’t able to understand me. Eventually, I saw that they all had different levels of English fluency and we learned to compromise. They would ask me to speak slower and I would sometimes use diagrams and drawings as alternate forms of communication. We helped the students with their personal statements and they learned a little bit about the U.S. education system. The program was an amazing experience and I hope it becomes an annual endeavor.

Anyway, I’m glad to be back in Berkeley for the school year. I’m a sophomore now and this year is already going a lot better than last year. I guess I have already found my little niche. I feel a lot more comfortable with Berkeley in general and I don’t feel shy when approaching people. Also for the first time, I’m really excited about my classes. I just have a really good feeling about this semester aaaaand I love Berkeley!!! J

First day

Hey!

Crazy how fast Summer went by!

In light of it being the first day tommorow, here are some tips for incoming freshman to ease this momentous rite of passage, aka your first few weeks as a college freshman aka "fishies".

1. To avoid spending money on pricey ink cartridges for your printer, sign up for free printing at the OCF!

2. To avoid overspending your meal points, buy a box of cereal, toaster waffles, whatever...eating breakfast at the dorm cafeterias will drain your meal points fast.

3. Put laundry money on your Cal 1 Card, scrounging your room and pestering your floormates for quarter is a hassle.

4. If you are unfamiliar with the campus layout, make an adventure out of finding your classes so that you don't have to carry a map around and end up running into other people (been there, done that).

5. Get familiar with the AC Transit; it could be a lifesaver if you have class on the other end of campus or need to make a grocery run at Safeway.

Hope that helps!

Starting off the New Semester!!

Moving in in the next few days? Get excited! As a volunteer with Student Orientation Staff, I have been working on preparing for the big move-in day and will be out assisting and answering any questions or concerns that new students may have.

A big part of succeeding at Cal is finding a community here, and the residence halls are an instant community just waiting to happen!

School will be starting up again soon, and although it might be rough or stressful transitioning into it (especially if you've had a relaxing summer like me), the formation of community will make life a lot easier, keeping you connected to resources, advice, and social needs. It definitely feels good to be back in Berkeley, one community that will definitely keep me busy, but also keeps me motivated and keeps life interesting.

Fall Semester 2010! Go Bears!