My name is Liul Tamirat a Student in Cal Studying Economics and data science. I have been involved in alot of community spaces in Berkeley. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy curiosity

Hometown

California, San Deigo

Major(s)

Economics and Data science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I'm a UC Berkeley student who lives to express myself — and I do that in two big ways. As a guitarist in the Cal Jazz group, I get to lose myself in the spontaneity of jazz, where every note is a chance to say something real. And as a member of Thrive, my campus faith community, I get to explore the deeper questions of life alongside people who genuinely care. Music and faith aren't just things I do — they're how I understand who I am and how I connect with the world around me.

Describe your college experience

My transition to college has been smooth and steady, rooted in a balance between my faith and my academics. Like any journey worth taking, it hasn't been without its challenges I hit a stumbling block academically early on, but rather than letting it define me, I took the time to reflect, identify my weaknesses, and grow from the experience. That moment of struggle became one of my greatest teachers. Beyond the classroom, college has given me something I didn't expect my people. Through Cal Jazz and Thrive, I found a community of incredibly gifted individuals who share my love for music and my love for God. What started as shared passions quickly grew into something deeper. These aren't just friends they're my family. And that alone has made my college experience truly unforgettable.

Tip for future students

My biggest piece of advice? Say yes to things that scare you a little. College is the perfect time to step outside the box you built for yourself in high school and try things you never thought you would. You might surprise yourself some of my greatest joys and closest friendships came from simply showing up to something new. And please, leave the high school mindset at the door. College is a different world entirely — the way you study, the way you socialize, the way you carry yourself all has to level up. No one is going to hold your hand, and that's actually a beautiful thing. It pushes you to take ownership of your own growth. Most importantly, get out of your comfort zone. Explore your campus, join clubs, talk to strangers, sit in on events you know nothing about. College is not just about a degree it's about discovering who you are when no one from home is watching. Take full advantage of every moment.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been Physiology 1 and honestly, it wasn't even intentional. I originally signed up thinking it was Psychology, but what started as a simple misreading turned into one of the best academic surprises of my college experience. I walked in not knowing what to expect and walked out with a genuine passion for the subject. Learning how the human body works lit something up in me that I hadn't felt before in a classroom, and it has me seriously considering whether this could be the path I'm meant to take. Sometimes the best things in life find you by accident.

Career goals

My career goals are as layered as I am. After college, I hope to step into the world of business, working alongside companies to identify areas of growth and help them reach their full potential. But my ambitions don't stop there. I have a deep calling to use whatever success I build to give back in a greater way specifically through helping plant and build churches around the world, bringing faith and community to places that need it most. Alongside all of this, I have a heart for people's emotional wellbeing. I hope to provide therapeutic support and be a source of healing for those navigating life's hardest moments. At the core of everything I want to do is one simple mission to help people thrive, whether that's in their business, their faith, or their inner life.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is simple but meaningful gathered around good food with even better people. Whether we're huddled together for a study night loaded with snacks or making our way to our favorite spot, Artichoke's Pizza, there's nothing I love more than being in the presence of my people. Those nights have a way of turning into the memories I'll carry long after college. Good pizza, great friends, and just enough laughter to make it hard to get any studying done that's my perfect night.

High school or secondary school

Gompers Preparatory Academy located in California San Diego , San Diego County