Hi! My name is Nia, and I’m a rising senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Cognitive Science with minors in Public Health and Data Science. I’m from the East Bay and have spent years getting to know both Berkeley’s campus and the city itself! I’m involved in several campus organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, where I’ve served as an officer for the past two years helping create an inclusive and welcoming STEM community. I’m also a part of Circle K, a volunteering organization where I get to volunteer all around the Bay Area. In addition, I’m involved in the Sexual Health Education Program, where I serve as a Health Intern advocating for open communication surrounding health and wellness. I also have an on-campus job with Cal Dining as a barista, so I’ve gotten to know campus culture from a lot of different perspectives. When I’m not studying or working, I spend a lot of time exploring Berkeley and San Francisco (I have plenty of restaurant recommendations for you)! I also love hiking the fire trails and going to hot yoga. Berkeley has so much to offer both as a school and as a city. Whether you’re curious about academics, dorm life, student organizations, research opportunities, study abroad (I studied in Rome for a semester), or just want recommendations for the best coffee shops and study spots around Berkeley, I’d love to help give you an honest and personal look into life at Cal!

Hometown

Walnut Creek, California

Major(s)

Cognitive Science

Minor(s)

Public Health, Data Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Society of Women Engineers (Equity & Inclusion Officer, Social Officer, Webmaster), Circle K (General Member), Sexual Health Education Program (Intern), Cal Dining (Student Worker)

Describe your college experience

College has truly been the best time of my life! Transitioning to college gives you the opportunity to meet people who share your goals and interests while building a real sense of community. It also gives you the chance to gain new experiences, explore different opportunities, and figure out what you’re genuinely passionate about pursuing. Beyond that, college is just such a fun and transformative time. Living and experiencing life alongside so many people your age is incredibly special, and I genuinely feel like you grow into yourself during these years. I’ve had an amazing three years at Berkeley, and I really think it has been the perfect place for me. People here work hard and play hard, and there’s such an exciting energy surrounding the school and city. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of my best friends, be intellectually challenged, experience incredible opportunities, and even travel through school!

Tip for future students

School at Berkeley can definitely be tough. Everyone here was at the top of their class, so it’s normal to feel challenged and like you have to work hard to keep up sometimes. Don’t get discouraged by bad grades or moments where you feel behind, everyone experiences that at some point in college. Clubs, internships, and leadership positions can also be really competitive, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get in the first time you apply. Keep putting yourself out there! Rejection is a normal part of the college experience, and eventually you’ll find the opportunities and communities that are meant for you. One of the biggest pieces of advice is to make sure you have a social life outside of academics. Don’t let school completely consume you! Explore the city, go to events, and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. College is one of the best times in your life to experiment, meet new people, and discover new interests. And finally, please bring shower shoes to the dorms...the showers are nasty.

Favorite class

One of my favorite classes at Berkeley was called Sex, Death, and Data. The course introduced me to demography and epidemiology, which are now the fields I hope to pursue in the future. I loved how interdisciplinary the class was, it combined public health, sociology, statistics, and social issues in an incredibly relevant way. The class also featured guest lecturers working in different areas of public health, and hearing about their careers helped me better understand the kinds of paths that exist beyond college. The Public Health department at UC Berkeley has some fantastic classes, I highly recommend taking one.

Career goals

I hope to get my Masters in Public Health and pursue a career in Epidemiology! Hopefully surrounding Women's health.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Movie night with the roommates! Or dinner with my friends at a new restaurant in Berkeley. There is also an Ax throwing place on Telegraph which my friends and I go to if we want to spice things up :)

High school or secondary school

I went to Acalanes High School in Lafayette California