Sophie Ward

Some may get tired of living in the same neighborhood for their entire life, but I love it. I’ve been able to see the way it’s changed, see who’s come and gone, watched the neighborhood kids grow up and been able to make many memories here.

My furry friends have improved my life immensely, as they are always there for me and know how to cheer me up. Their little quirks and mannerisms are too cute to handle, but can sometimes be questionable. If you’re a dog owner, you know what I mean.

“What are your summer plans?” As the semester comes to an end, I can’t avoid this question. As much as I would love to tell my friends about all the vacations I have lined up, the internships I got and all the friends I will be hanging out with, that’s not the truth.

As much as I would like to be a minimalist, my collecting habits interfere with having such a lifestyle. Some may say my collecting habits are odd and unnecessary, but I see no harm in them if they make me happy. What can I say? Trinkets and collectable items have my heart. 

As I wrap up my junior year, I think about how I didn’t do everything I had on my Berkeley bucket list. If I could go back in time, these are the things I would’ve done this semester. 

Cal Day 1995 had more than 20,000 attendees. Cal Day numbers increased to 30,000, eventually bringing in roughly 40,000 attendees prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like many students, I struggled to find housing for this year. I searched day and night on Facebook groups, Craigslist and Cal Rentals. After a solid month of scrambling to find a place to live, I finally signed my lease for a co-living house. 

If you’re a flower lover or simply appreciate a nice day trip, head on over to a California poppy site. They make for a picture-perfect moment and the flower’s vivid colors will lift your mood. Pack a couple of snacks, your camera and a good attitude and you’ll be ready in no time to see the spring super bloom!

Developing an open mind and coming to the realization that free speech is not limited to people with the same beliefs as me can be attributed to one thing: journalism.

Although these acts are small, they make a difference in my day. Even if it’s only for a minute, doing these practices make me happy and spark some joy in my stressful, busy life. Having gratitude for the small things in life has improved my mental health and has made me more aware of how much power I have over controlling how my day plays out.