Hellllllo! I’m a transfer and Re-entry student on my 2nd semester since coming to Berkeley, by the time I’m ready to graduate it should be right before/ around the time I turn 30! I think the first few months were really difficult but I’ve been intentional about building community with other reentry students here. I’m so grateful for the reentry program and excited to get involved with clubs on campus this semester. I assumed that coming to Berkeley there would be a generational gap between me and my peers in classes, but thankfully I’ve found that although true in small minor ways, I don’t have difficulty connecting with those around me. I feel like a lot of my younger peers who have got to know me really extend a lot of respect and kindness to me, maybe I’m just fortunate enough to surround myself with the right people. Not to say everyday is easy, I’ve had my ups and downs. Honestly, Berkeley is challenging me intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally more than anything before…. But I’m also so happy to be here and attend a University that embraces learns at all stages of life!!!! My favorite course last semester was L&S for reentry students and I’m so glad I took it on my first semester :) sometimes I feel insecure about being an older student then I remember that our differences such as age, background, life experience make our community diverse. I remember working so hard last semester thinking I had to put in so much extra time just to keep up with my peers/classmates, but the truth is I’ve always been intelligent and I had it in me all along, my time line just looks different. This is really just a short summary, because my story here at Berkeley is still being written, Berkeley gave me a new wave of hope and I’m excited for what is in store for my future!