What I learned when I transferred from UC Santa Cruz to UC Berkeley

Making a drastic change is never easy, but I’m glad that I did make such a change when I transferred from UC Santa Cruz to UC Berkeley. The transfer was difficult, but I learned a lot about myself along the way.

Never settle, and put your heart into everything you do

Everyone knows UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. I had never considered it as an option, simply because of how prestigious and competitive everyone knows it to be. Not to mention my grades dropped during my sophomore and junior year of high school.

When I was admitted to UC Santa Cruz as a freshman, I decided to attend because of its beautiful location and stellar Literature and Sociology programs. However, I knew that my high school performance did not entirely reflect my capabilities, and I wanted more. After submitting my Statement of Intent to Register to UCSC, I promised myself and my parents that in two years, I’d give myself a second chance and apply to the universities I didn’t previously consider – including UC Berkeley.

Because I always try to keep my promises, I went ahead and sent in some transfer applications during my second year. I was very convinced that I wouldn’t get accepted to anywhere else. But still, deep down, I felt a curiosity to see what options were out there for me.

My freshman and sophomore years at UC Santa Cruz were easily the best two years of my undergraduate career. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and did things I never thought I’d have the courage or capacity to do. My first roommates became my best friends, and with their encouragement and support, I was constantly striving to become the best version of myself.

I didn’t do all these things solely with the intention of transferring (in fact, halfway through my freshman year, I thought transferring is an unrealistic possibility). I did it because I was genuinely interested in it, and I wanted to pursue my passions.

My first home away from home – UC Santa Cruz.

Sometimes life has its way of making things happen when you least expect it

Before I knew it, right when I started getting called in for interviews, UC admission decisions rolled in. When I received an email from the UCB admissions office, the first thing I thought was, “Let’s get this rejection over with.”

When I logged into my Cal application portal, the first thing I saw was confetti. Then the word “Congratulations”.

“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage”

After taking a few days to recover from the shock, I began to realize the seriousness of the opportunity I had been given. While I was incredibly honored, it was hard for me to wrap my head around having to start a new life at a new school in the middle of my undergraduate career. Everything was already going so well, and of course I did not want to leave my first home away from home in Santa Cruz.

But I decided it’s always better to take a leap of faith than wonder “what if” or “what could have been”. Three weeks after my admission notification, I finally submitted my SIR to UC Berkeley.

Fall 2016 New Student Convocation Ceremony.

Change is always hard, but what matters is how you brave the storm

Going to Berkeley was a really tough transition. Keeping up with Cal’s intense rigor while trying to adjust from living by the beach to living in the middle of a city took a toll on me during my first semester. However, after getting over that transition period, I realized that attending UC Berkeley was the best decision I could make.

Although I had never imagined myself at this institution, now more than ever, I feel like I truly belong at Cal.

UC Berkeley and all its glory.

Everyday that I’m surrounded by such passionate and intelligent people, and hear the Campanile’s bell chimes, and listen to my professors’ lectures, I am reminded how lucky and grateful I am to be a Cal Bear.

Fun fact: I still carry my UCSC student ID with me everyday, and I visit Santa Cruz once a month.