My first year at Berkeley flew by in a flash. One moment I was opening my acceptance letter, and the next I was already a quarter through college. Maybe I'm just not ready to let go of the high school days.

Coming from a small boarding school to a big public university was a shock. With so many people here, it felt impossible to form real bonds at first (though it does get easier). In high school, I knew everyone. It was a school with only a little over 400 students, and we all live in the same doem buildings. We would go to each others rooms and hang out all the time.At Berkeley, I realized I had to actively seek out friendships — and I'm glad I figured that out early. If I had to sum up this year in three words, they’d be: hectic, spark, and growth.

Hectic, because I stayed busy. Between maxing out on class units, dumping in hours intoFormula Electric, and training for varsityultimate frisbee, my days often ran 8am to 10pm. At first it felt overwhelming, but really it was just fear of the unknown. Once I leaned in, I realized I could handle more than I thought. That was the spark.

Spark, because I felt the same rush I had in my first year of high school — moving fast, grabbing every opportunity. Like when I used to swim: I'd sprint the first laps, trusting I'd figure out the rest along the way. Maybe reckless, but it works for me. Formula Electric became my biggest commitment, and working on batteries connected me with some great friends. Still, seeing the scale of the project made me question whether mechanical engineering should stay a hobby. The long timeline of a typical mechanical project felt draining, and I started to like optimizing processes with code more intriguing along the way. Maybe I'm happier tinkering with a 3D printer on my own time.

Growth, because my perspective shifted. Taking financial accounting (UGBA 102A) felt random at first — my parents work in finance and I just wanted a full schedule. But paired with Rich Dad Poor Dad, it became a turning point. I realized I don't want to be a worker who trades time for money. I want to be a creator, someone who builds things that make money work for me. That mindset stuck, and I don't see myself going back ever again.

Looking ahead, I want to keep pushing myself. Stay rigorous with academics, reclaim wasted time, and make more space for friends. I want to create, to teach, and to give back. By the end of next year, I hope to be exhausted — but grateful. Grateful for the challenges I took on, and for the commitment it took to see them through.