Hi, my name is Moamina. I'm a senior at UC Berkeley, majoring in Public Health. I was born and raised in the Bay Area. Some of my favorite things are walking, chatting with friends, listening to music, and working on art projects.

Hometown

Richmond, CA

Major(s)

Public Health

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Pakistani Student Association (Member)

Describe your college experience

As a transfer student, my transition to UC Berkeley was much smoother than I expected. From the beginning, I found it easy to connect with other students and build a strong sense of community. I joined the Pakistani Student Association, where I made many friends and became involved in campus life. I have also formed great friendships with classmates through my courses. My experience so far has shown me how welcoming and supportive Berkeley students are, and I truly believe Cal is one of the best places to find community, make meaningful connections, and grow both academically and personally.

Tip for future students

My biggest tip for future students is to get involved as early as possible. Joining clubs, attending events, and talking to people in your classes are some of the best ways to make friends and build a community. As a transfer student, I was nervous about meeting people at first, but I quickly realized how welcoming and friendly the Berkeley community is. I also wish I had known that it's okay not to have everything figured out right away, there are so many opportunities here, and you'll find your place by staying open to new experiences and putting yourself out there. Also, as someone going into my senior year, I do want to encourage you to check out the Study Abroad programs. I wish that was something I participated in.

Favorite class

My favorite class at Berkeley has been Psych 101. The course was an introduction to data analysis in psychology, and it taught us how to use R and write code to analyze data. What made the class especially memorable was the professor, Arman Catterson, who was one of the best instructors I've ever had. Even though I had no coding experience when I started, the class made learning R approachable and enjoyable. By the end of the semester, I had developed valuable coding and data analysis skills, and I genuinely looked forward to going to class each week. It was both challenging and incredibly fun.

Career goals

After college, I hope to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. I am passionate about healthcare and helping others, and I am excited by the opportunity to work closely with patients while being part of a collaborative medical team. My goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care and make a positive impact on the lives of the people I serve.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night depends on my mood. Sometimes I enjoy relaxing and watching a movie, whether it's a Star Wars film, a Marvel movie, or a good rom-com. Other times, I prefer going out with friends, whether that's grabbing food, exploring the area, or just spending time together. For me, the best free nights are either enjoying a great movie or making memories with friends.

High school or secondary school

De Anza High School, Richmond, CA

Previous college

I transferred from Berkeley City College, where I earned an Associate of Science for Transfer in Biology and an Associate in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences. During my time there, I completed my prerequisite coursework and prepared for the UC transfer process. After applying, I was fortunate to be admitted to all of the UC campuses I applied to. Ultimately, I chose University of California, Berkeley because of its outstanding academics, opportunities, and campus community. The transfer process required dedication and planning, but it was a rewarding experience that helped me reach my goal of attending Berkeley.