Graduated in 2016 from this amazing institution! Not only is the education top-notch, taught by professors who are pioneers in their fields, but the diverse and welcoming atmosphere and culture of excellence has helped me develop a global perspective! I've met and befriended people from vastly different walks of life, and I'm grateful for the eye-opening discussions and experiences we've had!

What makes the university great is its student body. These people are some of the most determined, forward-thinking, smart, world-class and wonderful people in the world! You learn something new everyday, not only in class, but just from being present among your peers and faculty and engaging them!

Academics are obviously world-leading, as Berkeley has many departments consistently ranked in the top 10 and top 5 perennially. As such, there is a palpable sense of competition and rigor that goes with being a California Golden Bear. No one will hold your hand and guide you step by step here. You need to be a go-getter and proactive in everything you do.

Regarding the recent protests and anti-free-speech connotation that people are associating with Berkeley, I just want to say that the actions of a few non-students and maybe even a few students don't represent the views of the University and the vast majority of the student and faculty body. As the home of the Free Speech Movement, we will never prevent the right to speech and peaceful protest, but keep in mind that protesting hate speech doesn't mean we are anti-free-speech. We are within our rights to peacefully protest hate speech.

Moving on to athletics, Cal is D-1, and although our football team was on the rise with Jared Goff (#1 NFL draft pick in 2016 and QB of the LA Rams), we've hit another slump. Hopefully, we climb out of that soon. Regardless, the game-day atmosphere is always electric and the student section is rocking! Its a great experience that every undergrad should have at least once! Our basketball team is also competitive every year, and gives a nice indoor event to attend during the winter. Same as in football, the atmosphere is electric and the student section is rocking! Although football and basketball are the main sports students follow, we have top-notch championship teams in water polo, rugby, soccer, and more!

Dorms are okay, and most people move out after their first year unless you are lucky enough to snag a dorm suite or mini-suite. Berkeley seems to get more crowded every year, and its basically an urban college town. Rents are high, which is why everyone has housemates. However, the campus grounds themselves are beautiful and open. From the base of the Campanile (school tower), you can see the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate bridge!

The food is amazing in Berkeley, not so much the dining hall food, but the surrounding eateries and hole-in-the-walls serve up some seriously good grub. They have everything from Asian cuisine to Italian/Mediterranean to good ol' hot dogs and hamburgers. Whatever you're feeling for the day, it'll be there! The food is as diverse as Berkeley is!

Going back to academics, Berkeley has not only given me a world-class education, but the connections I've made here helped open more doors of opportunity. There are many successful Cal alumni in the Bay Area, California, and around the world looking to give back and willing to help the next generation of Cal students!

If you can't tell by now, I love Cal!