When anyone asks what the best aspect of my Berkeley experience was, I always say the people. Previously, this always meant my friends, those who I shared countless exhilarating and exhausting experiences with over the four years, and those who are like family today. Recently, however, my answer has changed. The people I met at Cal are still the most amazing part of my time there, but not just my best friends, and not just for the experiences we shared together.
Only a year after graduation, I look back at our class, and I am amazed at what people have gone on to do with their lives. It seems like every Bear I know can be deemed “an expert in their field” either now or in the near future. I feel like no matter what I may have a question about, I would have an expert to answer me within arms reach. From the innovative engineers toiling away at companies they founded, to the financiers who can tell you which start-ups are worth investing in. From those doing cutting-edge research (be it in cancer or energy efficiency), to those attending the top medical schools in the country. From those breaching cultural barriers by pursuing graduate school abroad, to those bringing basic health education to Indian villages. From those putting their own lives on hold to teach inner city children (Teach for America), to those who flew out to help victims in Haiti. Sure, the sixties made Berkeley famous for its proactive students, but if these handful (of many) examples are any proof, today’s students are making just as many differences in the world as they were half a decade ago. To you guys, thanks for proving that excellence can be self-perpetuating, and thanks for this feeling of inadequacy that makes me want to do more with my life.
Peace, love and making a difference!
Kiran
