“You are the company you keep”: a phrase I’ve heard repeatedly, but one that I believe wholeheartedly, for who are you if not a combination of the five people closest to you? We are all mosaics of everyone we’ve ever met, picking up pieces from others as we go through life to build the final puzzle of who we are. I’m blessed to have some beautiful pieces from amazing people here at Berkeley. So, here is a list of some of the people who mean the world to me and their unique traits that I’m lucky I’ve been able to pick up along the way.
Deeya’s corniness
First, I’m going to start off with Deeya, my roommate. She has this remarkable ability to light up every room she’s in with her smile and bubbly personality. Her playlists will always get the party started with early 2000s throwbacks. In fact, she’s the reason I’ve woken up to “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” by Soulja Boy on more than one occasion. Whenever I talk to her, I feel deeply understood in a way I can’t even begin to explain. Deeya will never make you feel overdramatic or stupid; she’ll just let you feel heard. She will cheer you up with her smile and remarkable outlook on life, paired with oddly specific analogies that don’t make sense half the time. Even though her personality is made up of all the beautiful pieces I listed above, her corniness is what I’ve adopted from her. You would think that’s a pretty unfortunate thing to adopt, and initially, I would have to agree with you. But her corny jokes which you can’t help but cringe at are powerful in lightening the mood and making people feel much better. You can’t help but crack a smile when she makes an (albeit bad) pun about your favorite coffee. I’m grateful that now I, too, can turn people’s frowns upside down (see–corny!) with cheesy jokes or accents I’ve learned from her.
Prat’s commitment
Prat is like the older brother I never had. When I came to college, I didn’t think I would be gaining a sibling in such a short amount of time, but I genuinely do feel that bond with him. And I’m saying this as someone with siblings, so I would know! Prat’s compassion is one of my favorite qualities, and his heart never ceases to amaze me. Prat always looks out for me, cheers me on, and is attentive to his friends and family. He has this magnetic personality, similar to that of a cult leader (but in a good way) because he draws everyone in. Once you meet him, you can’t help but want to be his friend. Someone who doesn’t even know him at every party carries him, and I think that speaks more to his energetic nature than his size. The quality I’m lucky to have gotten from Prat is his ability to not only remember his friends’ needs and concerns but to check up on how they’re doing. We’re often so consumed with our own lives that we forget to check up on others, but Prat is so committed to his friends that he never forgets, and because of him, I try not to either.
Srihitha’s composure
I am almost certain a frat boy is trapped inside Srihitha’s body for more reasons than one. (If you hear her talk, you’ll probably agree.) She also gives the best mom hugs that provide so much warmth and comfort that they’re addicting, and she’s always there to be a listening ear. Simultaneously, she will be the first to take shots at a party and convince everyone to dance with her on tabletops. However, what I have gotten from her is not her ability to beat every frat brother at beer pong, but her ability to be put together in every situation. I stress out about everything—it’s straightforward to read me and how I feel. But no matter how worried Srihitha is, she never shows it. Her ability to always be cool, calm, and collected in situations is something I hope I’ve been able to adopt from her. To not sweat the small stuff and consistently believe in your ability to get through, even if you don’t know how yet, is precisely what Srihitha embodies and what I’m reminded to do when I’m in her presence.
Arjun’s Playfulness
Arjun is a mix between a 13-year-old boy and a mad scientist…but it somehow works? He is an incredibly hard worker, excelling at things like organic chemistry, and rock climbing with ease. He’ll be there for you when you need him, and when you don’t, he will probably be making random animal noises to bother you. However, what I’ve gotten from him is not his chemistry skillset or agility (unfortunately), but his playfulness. I hate to admit it because this will undoubtedly boost his ego, but he is one of the people that makes me laugh the hardest here. He brings this youthful, childlike wonder and energy wherever he goes, and it’s kind of contagious. If you’re ever in a slump or feeling down, around him, it won’t matter because you’ll be laughing so much you’ll forget about it for the time being. His playful nature puts people at ease, reminding them to enjoy life and not take it too seriously, which I feel we all need from time to time. From messing around with him, I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s fun to be a kid. Laughter is the best medicine, and to me, his humor has more of an impact than whatever he does in a lab.
Manas’ spontaneity
Last but not least, we have Manas: avid food blogger, concert go-er, and the glue that brings everyone together. He lets his intrusive thoughts win a lot, which can be unfortunate but also pretty hilarious. Manas takes on a million things at once but succeeds at all of them. Whether it’s academics, clubs, extracurriculars, or his social life, he’s able to put on an incredible balancing act performance, one I wish I was able to perfect myself. He makes time for everything and never acts like he’s too busy for anyone (which I feel is something that people here are really bad at)! But the quality I’ve adopted into my mosaic from him is his spontaneity. Manas is never one to say no, and the best part is that he will take you on whatever new adventure he goes on! Because of our friendship, I say yes to more things and am open to exploring any city at any time. Whether trying the newest food joint or finding a hidden lookout point in SF, Manas will lead the charge, leaving you with a core memory.
I am a combination of the people I love, as are you. Their little quirks and habits become absorbed in our personalities, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.