As this semester quickly passes, I begin to reflect on what it means: next year will be my last year in Berkeley. As much as I’ve dreamed of being able to work after college and potentially moving to a different city, the idea of almost being a college senior feels unreal. I remember being a high school senior, thinking that college seniors were so mature, seeming to be like adults. Now that my time for graduation is almost here, it feels surreal.
Despite being scared about the future, I’ve come to realize that UC Berkeley has somewhat prepared me. I’ve learned about apartment hunting, cooking and grocery shopping, as well as living with roommates. Berkeley has taught me how to apply and interview for companies, work with people in group projects, and actively seek out new opportunities. The environment of the school, from the people and classes to living in the city, makes me feel more prepared for the future.
I’ve also noticed that conversations with friends have begun to change. Talking about what clubs to join has slowly turned into conversations about future jobs. Conversations about life after college have allowed me to re-evaluate what I want to do in the future, which is something I had no direction in when I was a freshman. These aspects of being a junior at UC Berkeley have taught me to be less scared of change. After all, growing up is all about change.
Being a college senior makes me feel like I’ve finally grown into an adult. While still feeling like a teenage girl who just wants to watch movies all day, I’ve learned to look forward to the future, pursue new opportunities, and discover more about myself.