Community

I am instantly reminded of what unites my Latine family, and I become hungry at the thought of food. Beyond its tastiness and incredible seasoning — which I will soon obsess over — Latine food symbolizes cultural harmony and solidarity. 

Rich diversity of intellect and expression resonated invigorating notes of purpose and progress, orchestrating an ambitious yet tranquil tune to which I was entranced.

And that’s where the risk comes in — not in pursuing only those communities that make us feel at home, but rather bringing the community within you to the communities beyond you.

When academic expectations are sky-high and the appetite to grind is insatiable, illness can feel like a thick fog that I should just turn up my collar and trudge through.

While BUSD has already made strong efforts towards creating an inclusive and supportive community for queer children, there is still room for improvement. 

I understand that I probably sound kind of dramatic, but it was disheartening when the institution I’d dedicated so much of my time to shifted into one I felt the need to avoid.

After already losing so many to the pandemic, we cannot afford to sit back and watch more landmark local businesses disappear from our city.

The city of Berkeley needs to recognize that encampments beside Interstate 80 often occurred as a result of the city’s lack of responsibility for providing housing alternatives, while trying to maintain a “safe” city look by pushing out the unhoused population – leaving them no where else to go.

Ultimately, UC Berkeley will make you a stronger, more confident and more proactive person, and that is something I am grateful for.