UC Berkeley is a difficult school to navigate, as it’s filled with highly competitive clubs, classes, and an overall intense academic atmosphere. When you throw all of that together with not knowing what you want to do with your life, Berkeley becomes even more daunting.
Navigating the school as a humanities student in a STEM-dominated environment becomes humbling really quickly. When I started my college applications back in 2022, I didn’t even want to come to this school, as I felt a smaller liberal arts college suited me much more in finding the right major and career path. So starting at Berkeley really felt as though I was being swallowed up whole.Â
At the beginning of my sophomore year, I finally decided on what I thought was a never-ending decision, choosing my major. I love how my Media Studies major encapsulates everything I could possibly want to study. It applies to really any of the career paths I’m interested in pursuing.Â
Doubt comes and creeps back in when I’m propositioned with questions like “Well what are you gonna do with that degree?” and “What even is Media Studies?” My friend and I even overheard a conversation in Moffitt Library of others discussing how Media Studies is a pointless, lazy major.Â
Honestly, I find those comments to be mostly funny. Occasionally it does make you think if what you’re doing is right. Especially, when you yourself are still unsure of what you want to do. Even though I love my major, when everyone around you seems so sure of their own, it makes you doubt your decision. Once I finally found it, I still felt a bit lost.Â
If there is anything, however, I’ve learned while being at school here is “who cares?” Everyone’s life is on such different trajectories, and intelligence can be measured by creativity, not just how much STEM-related knowledge you know. Getting involved in clubs and classes specific to your interests allows you to immerse yourself with others who enjoy the same areas of study as you. This year, I joined five clubs, which may have been overkill in hindsight, but being surrounded by others with the same path put so many of my worries at ease.Â
Don’t be scared when you find classes or experiences that you hate, because that just means you’re sure that specific thing isn’t for you. My freshman year I thought I’d love Political Science, however, I ended up hating the introductory course I took. While disheartened at first, it narrowed down the potential options I was thinking about. You truly do live and learn.Â
“While disheartened at first it narrowed down the potential options I was thinking about. You truly do live and learn.”
Isabel Anastas
I’ve figured out parts of my life, but I’m still very unsure of exactly where I’m headed. And honestly, even those who do don’t actually have any clue where they’ll really end up. Berkeley isn’t so scary once you peel back the layers.
Whether you’re a new or old student, navigating your own path does get easier. I still feel a little lost, but that’s what college is for — right? I have a feeling that I’ll always feel this way to some extent. Though slowly the closer we get to finding our true path, it’ll really start to click.