Summer 2007 counselor quotes
Helping new students acclimate to Berkeley this past summer has been one of the best and most intense experiences I’ve had at Cal. Along the way, I have developed an even greater appreciation of the University, I discovered a great deal about myself especially in terms of what my strengths and weaknesses are, and I gained overall confidence in myself. The camaraderie among the counselors, coordinators, and professional staff and their continual support made it all possible. Frankly, it’s hard to believe I’ve learned and grown so much in such a short amount of time. CalSO has left a mark on me that will last forever.

One thing not mentioned during counselor recruitment is the nice tan one will have by the end of the summer, which is completely appropriate when considering my last name!

--Jason Tan, CalSO ‘07, Third Year, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

As a transfer student I didn’t see myself having many chances to get involved at Cal. CalSO really changed that and made me feel that I belonged. It’s amazing that I’ve learned so much about almost every single resource available on campus and met so many representatives from different departments and organizations. It is also rewarding to know that I was able to make a difference for many incoming students. Along with the 230 hours of training and the continuous support from everyone in the CalSO family, I was given a chance at not only a great job, but also a way to improve myself tremendously. CalSO really has opened my eyes to so many new experiences, and I’ve come to appreciate the diversity around me so much more. Even more than that, CalSO has become a home away from home for me.

--Truc Huynh, CalSO ’07, Fifth Year, Chemical Biology

Truc delivering her "FYE" (first year experience) to a crowd of 400 transfer students and guests. (Photo by Akash Suri.)

Getting involved in CalSO has been the highlight of my career at Cal thus far. The Berkeley campus feels smaller now, and I was able to learn about resources and opportunities that I hope to explore. I not only gained self-confidence, valuable customer service and public speaking skills, but I also found a group of amazing people to call my good friends—I could always find a hug when I needed one. Even though the job requires a lot of time and energy, it is definitely a worthwhile and enriching experience.

--Rachel Marquez, CalSO ‘07, Third Year, Development Studies

Rachel helps teach 500 counselees the "Go Bears" yell. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

The students that you work with will definitely vary depending on the group and the day. They come from different backgrounds and some have very interesting stories to tell. For example, I met an incoming freshman who at the age of 17 had been elected mayor of his city—not some small town but a city of 55,000 people. All of the groups I have worked with have this sort of shy quality about them at the start each program, but by the end you see how they have opened up and broken out of their comfort zones to really enjoy their CalSO experience.

To lay it out straight and simple, being a CalSO counselor is an amazing experience where you can grow as a person in a fun and energized environment. I'd highly recommend applying to anyone interested in working hard and having some fun in the process.

--Tristan Mosley, CalSO ‘07, Second Year, Architecture

Tristan taking a group to the Welcome Address. (Photo by Akash Suri.)

CalSO was truly full of different experiences. I lived and worked with the same people for about a month and a half, being a tour guide, giving detailed advice about classes, talking for 15 minutes to 400 students, and mingling with students irritated by long lines. CalSO strengthened skills I already knew I had and improved others I lacked. The job of a counselor brought with it so many responsibilities that it challenged me in many ways, which scared me at first. I had such a great group of supporters that before I knew it, I was just having fun. All the counselors will definitely agree with me that one of the best things about CalSO is the people that you get to know very well. I made more than fifty friends on staff who shared their various experiences with me. I also had the honor of welcoming so many new students and parents to Cal, and I really enjoy being a part of that special transition.

--Eun Kyung Lee, CalSO ‘07, Second Year, Intended Business

Eunky leading a morning meeting for new frosh. (Photo by Peg Skorpinski.)

My first few months at Berkeley were a little shaky, and I wasn't sure if it was the right campus for me. As a new student to campus, I was really concerned that I wouldn't find my niche at Berkeley and that it would be difficult to really enjoy my college experience. Being a CalSO Counselor, however, was definitely the most significant reason why I ended up loving my first year at Berkeley.

Doing CalSO gave me that feeling that I truly was a part of and was making a difference in the Cal community. It introduced me to a group of amazing students, some of which I can already tell will be some of my lifelong friends. Meeting so many different people each program truly opened my eyes to what Berkeley has to offer and what kind of incredible people there on campus. By leading groups in course advising and teaching campus traditions, I was able to develop my public speaking and teamwork skills to improve my traits as a leader. On top of that, I had a blast dancing to the Cal band. I thought spending every single moment with a group of over 40 students for two months would be completely draining, but I loved every single minute of it! CalSO was by far one of the best experiences I've ever had.

--Anthony Bui, CalSO ’07, Second Year, Intended Business Administration and Public Health

Anthony holds up his well-used personalized clipboard and wears his official nametag on his homemade beaded necklace. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

Being a CalSO counselor is an amazing way to make the enormous Cal campus a smaller community. It introduced me to dozens of awesome counselors and gave me the chance to meet a large chunk of the entering freshman class!

The training offered great bonding opportunities and prepared me not only for the CalSO programs, but for my classes as well. CalSO was an incredible experience that enabled me with the skills to be successful at Berkeley and introduce me to some of the closest friends I’ve made here.

--Alexandra Stone, CalSO ’07, Third Year, Cognitive Science

Alex and a parent. (Photo by Akash Suri.)

Prior to CalSO, I probably couldn’t see myself standing in the spotlight of a lecture hall public speaking or even have the confidence or ability to attain the attention of a group of ten people. I wasn’t anti-social, but I was shy. Not only was I given the opportunities and skills to excel in those areas through CalSO, I also saw myself grow as a person. The skills and assets I obtained from CalSO, I could never learn from class (especially this unique but awesome dance called the Time Warp). Therefore, I have so much to be grateful for this opportunity, and I definitely recommend it to anyone!

--Eric Okuma, CalSO ’07, Second Year, Mechanical Engineering and City and Regional Planning minor

Eric introduces L&S speakers. (Photo by Akash Suri.)

Initially I was very hesitant about applying to CalSO--the public speaking aspect of it really seemed very intimidating. But, I applied and thought, let's just see if I can even get in. I was accepted, and after going through the whole training process and having met such inspirational people, I decided that my initial hesitation was baseless. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and was so excited for each of the new programs. I came into CalSO needing a summer job, but I walked away with so much more, especially as a transfer student. I now have a Cal Family of my own, and people who are ready to help me in all my endeavors. I won't ever forget this experience.

--Minisha Trivedi, CalSO '07, Fourth Year, Art Practice

Minisha delivers her FYE [First Year Experience] to a group of 450 transfers and guests. (Photo by Peg Skorpinski.)

I never expected to have a family at college, but I found one here at CalSO. Not only was I able to meet 44+ cool people and become friends with them, but I also found my niche at Berkeley. Helping others, meeting new people, and actually knowing you've made a difference is what this job is all about. As an added bonus, you learn more about the campus, yourself, and what Berkeley means to you.

This is a job where you'll be completely exhausted by the end of the day, but at the same time be completely ecstatic because you've enjoyed every minute of it. I like to compare my CalSO experience to a meal...throw in 45ish complete strangers, simmer them for a semester (stirring occasionally), when they begin to jell, mix and empty into counselor molds, bake for two weeks at high heat (turning every once in a while), then pull out of the oven, after the first week remove the mixture from the molds, then let air for the next five weeks (each will pick up individual flavors), when finished you should have a nicely seasoned, blended, CalSO family =).

--Patrick Chew, CalSO ’07, Second Year, Intended Classics Civilizations/Languages

Patrick gathering his group at lunch. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

The CalSO experience is one that I will never forget. For two months I spent every waking moment with people that I never thought that I would become friends with because we are very different people and come from different social circles.

I have learned so much about myself and other people during the two weeks of Camp CalSO, and now I have a very different outlook on life. I learned that it is important to be understanding of people and their actions, and not assume anything because their actions can be a result of their past. I learned a lot about myself as well. I realized that I do have "hot buttons" and acknowledging them helped me overcome them and grow from it as well. I learned how to live in a community of people and have a better understanding of what my actions and interactions can result in.

I knew that just being there was having a positive influence on the incoming freshmen and making their transition to Cal that much easier. Of course there were hard times and difficulties along the way, but knowing that I had 43 coworkers and friends to support and be there for me made it seem as if anything was possible.

As sad it was for CalSO to end, I couldn’t help but feeling happy as well. I was given the privilege to experience things that most people don’t experience, and I was able to get to know such amazing people.

--Joanna Pak, CalSO ’07, Fourth Year, Molecular Toxicology

During the annual January CalSO Retreat, Joanna becomes a "Supreme" being during the icebreaker, Evolution. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

Joanna's autobiography, the first CalSO class assignment. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

I always felt confident in the skills I've learned and developed to become a strong leader, but never before had I applied them to such a degree as I had when acting as a CalSO counselor. The public speaking, the coordination, the group morale maintenance, and a score of other things must be used/monitored while one's working a program as a counselor. Although it can be challenging and exhausting at times—it was certainly rewarding to know that all the effort we invested into each program was making an impact on the Cal student body.

--Scott Van Kampen, CalSO '07, Third Year, Geography

My CalSO experience was good. It gave me a chance to work with lots of groups of individuals unlike myself and to help impact a variety of people from first year students, to transfers, and to some of the people most important to them.

Not only was I able to help new students get acquainted with the campus, but I got to know more about myself and how to get involved. Coming into Berkeley, I was totally lost and undeclared and did not have any idea where my future was going. However, through the CalSO staff training and the CalSO programs, I got a better glimpse of the resources out there available to help me and even got a better idea of what academic path I want to take.
Now, I am more confident with myself and got to know more about other people through the experiences I’ve had being a counselor. It gave me the inspiration to do better in school and try harder to reach my goals.

The job was hard, I have to admit, but it was definitely worth it. I learned a lot and there were many benefits. And towards the end, it feels like it just passed like a breeze.
If not for other people, become involved as a counselor for yourself!

--Johnson Co, CalSO ’07, Second Year, Undecided

Johnson checks a family in the morning of a program. (Photo by Akash Suri.)

CalSO was an amazing experience that truly transcended any notion of what a job or work might entail. Each program, after all, was an adventure that I was able to create for incoming students with the help of forty plus coworkers who are now some of my closest friends.

I'm very appreciative of how much confidence CalSO was able to instill in me, how my communication skills developed, how my knowledge of resources at Cal expanded, and how my Cal Spirit grew. Additionally, where I was somewhat concerned about what others might think of me, I was able to find a very supportive group in my fellow staff members. CalSO is truly awesome in the extent to which it helps develop knowledge and skills.

--Kevin Hamano, CalSO ’07, Third Year, Political Science and Asian American Studies

Everyday there's an optional clothing theme day--Kevin is "Pretty in Pink." (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

The view of CalSO from the point of a counselee was one of awe, excitement, and giddiness. I won't say those feelings went away after I became a counselor, but they were joined by feelings of confidence, pride, and anxiety. Being a CalSO counselor is more than a job, it is a commitment to the counselees, to fellow counselors, and to the University to go beyond performing just the duties assigned to you. It is learning to talk all day without your voice going hoarse; it is getting complete strangers to dance silly dances with you; it is helping those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new students take the first steps on one of the most important paths in their lives.

People join CalSO for a vast number of reasons. I joined because of the great experience I had as a counselee and the obligation I felt in giving back to the program that had given me so much. Originally I felt my co-workers were there merely to help me in this goal: to perform the job at hand. However, as the CalSO retreat continued to spring semester training to Camp CalSO, I learned that we shared in an experience unique and great. CalSO granted me friends from different years, majors, and hometowns--these were people I would never have met outside of CalSO. For many years to come I will look back on this experience and realize that I would not have given it up for the world. Go Bears!

Nathan collecting counselees to take to after lunch option segments. (Photo by Jenne Mowry.)

Summer 2006 counselor quotes
CalSO taught me to open up a little more, to be engaged as well as engaging. I am naturally a shy person, but CalSO gave me the opportunity and the skills to grow as a leader and as a person. In my two years as a CalSO counselor, I have become more confident in how I present myself to other people. Besides all of that, I love that my “job” as a counselor was to have fun and talk with other people all summer long. Granted I was helping them pick out schedules and tell them about campus resources, but I was able to meet and get to know hundreds of people each summer. I got to dance and hear the Cal Band every other day (and get paid for it!). For me CalSO was an amazing learning experience and time of personal growth. CalSO Love!

--John Gahagan, CalSO ’05 and ’06, Third Year, Microbial Biology

I was not confident about my public speaking skills. Through CalSO I have seen a big improvement, and more importantly, I am no longer nervous about speaking in front of big groups. I have also met 44 great counselors, 4 wonderful coordinators, 2 fantastic pro staff, and other office student staff. These people showed me so many different experiences and aspects of studying and living at Cal. The bonding between us strengthened as the summer progressed, and they are all my close friends.
I like the environment of CalSO. It is professional but also very personal. We are close friends, helpful coworkers, and mentors.
--Yu Lei, CalSO ’06, Fourth Year, Chemical Engineer

CalSO was indescribably amazing for me. I can’t begin to explain the confidence I’ve gained or the pride I have for being at student at Cal.

Not only have I developed these wonderful traits but I have also acquired friendships that will last forever. That’s the beautiful thing about CalSO; it impacted me not only for that summer but for life. Maybe that’s why it’s so indescribable; the confidence, pride, and friendships I’ve gained are still with me today.

One of the most exciting things about CalSO is meeting hundreds of people each program. Everyone has a unique story to tell; some students have traveled to exotic places and others have done things so adventurous that I can’t even imagine how they did it. Hearing these experiences and speaking to these people made me enthusiastic to meet students each program. The worst part about CalSO was not getting enough sleep. At night I wanted to hang out with my fellow counselors, so sleep was not a high priority of some of us. Being tired during a long program didn’t help energize the group.

--Myra Martinez, CalSO ’06, Second Year, Nutritional Science

In the beginning, I was afraid that I didn’t have the people-skills for this job. I wanted to gain more confidence in public speaking, be a better mingler, practice team-building skills, and above all, I wanted to become a better leader, and so I saw CalSO as an opportunity to try to change all of that. CalSO encouraged me to do things that I did not ordinarily see myself doing. By the end I was leading campus tours, facilitating discussions, presenting information, giving advice, and most of all, discovering something new about myself. I had the opportunity to learn from a wonderful staff that motivated me to keep strengthening my character and to start trying new things for a change. Thanks to my CalSO experience, it was first time I ever went laser tagging, tried authentic sushi, ran across the Golden Gate Bridge, and a solo on stage in front of a large crowd, and get this, it was the FIRST TIME I EVER WENT BOWLING! Haha, laugh. Besides all of that, it was the first time I ever truly felt at home here at Cal.  CalSO gave me a boost of confidence to do better in school and in life, and I am thankful for the friends I have made through this experience. After being a CalSO counselor I realized that no one is perfect, and that everyone in the world has gone through different upbringings, paths, and obstacles and that no matter what, anyone who has the heart, the desire, the passion to improve oneself and the lives of others, will find their endeavors truly engaging, worthwhile, and rewarding.

--Dale Dualan, CalSO ’06, Third Year, Conservation and Resource Studies

I came to CalSO expecting to learn more about the University and the various resources and people here. CalSO met and exceeded every one of these expectations. Indeed, I learned much about the University and the countless programs catering to undergraduate students, and I took the opportunity to seize some of these opportunities after CalSO. I applied to the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP), and I developed a plan to study abroad through UC Berkeley's Education Abroad Program (EAP). In addition, I made more than 50 friends! No, not Facebook friends, or friends that drop a line every once in a while, but friends with whom I have dinner every week, to whom I rant about the latest news here at Cal, or to whom I rave about the great new foods and restaurants. My fellow counselors made getting up at 5:45 AM three times a week completely worth it. You are never working alone at CalSO; you can always count on someone supporting you if you need it.

--Seyron Foo, CalSO ’06, Second Year, Rhetoric and Political Science

The CalSO program exists to give all incoming students the tools they need to succeed at Cal, covering academics, social and residential life, and family transitions. I found that in order to truly advise students about how to prepare for life at Cal, I needed to look inside and into my past to see what worked and what didn't work for me, and how I could use this knowledge to help others. This meant a lot of hard work and introspection that was different from anything I'd encountered before.

I think one of the best things about being a counselor was living in Berkeley during the summer without the pressure of midterms and finals. The vast entertainment resources of the Bay Area are available, and there's no homework to fill weekends and evenings!

However, the best benefit of being a counselor is definitely the camaraderie and support that other counselors provide. There's nothing quite like a run to the Durant Food Court for boba late at night with some of your best friends.

Summer 2005 counselor quotes
I loved meeting the new students and their parents, and I think the best part of this entire process was seeing how appreciative they were at the end of the day.

--Eva Wong, CalSO ‘05, Conservation and Resource Studies

CalSO helped me gain an inner confidence in my abilities. I never thought I’d be able to speak clearly in front of hundreds and hundreds of people. I never thought I’d be able to bring such diverse groups of people together. I never thought I’d know this much about Cal. And yet in eight weeks, thanks to CalSO, I was able to do all of these things and more.

--Kimberly Carter, CalSO ‘05, Psychology and Mass Communications

When I first applied for CalSO, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Sure, getting up at 5:45 every morning was not the funnest thing in the world, but it was so well worth it! Not only did I make 40 new friends, but I learned how to work with others in a way that enabled us all to do our jobs well by helping incoming students and parents feel more prepared for coming to Cal.

--Mana Kahali, CalSO ‘05, Psychology Major

CalSO was the best experience for starting my Berkeley career. I gained some awesome life skills and the chance to get great connections and resources on campus. I am now able to get pretty much any campus job I want because of the prestige of being a CalSO counselor.

--Maryl Kunkel, CalSO ‘05, Undeclared

The job requires a large time commitment but the saying is true, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” The summer went by really quickly, and I enjoyed working with the new students and their parents in helping them get acquainted with Cal. The skills that I learned as a CalSO counselor—public speaking, time management, facilitation, and problem solving—will undoubtedly help me in the future. And the friends that I made over the summer really made the CalSO experience unforgettable.

--Paola Santana, CalSO ‘05, Political Science

As a returning counselor, I took a more active role internally, focusing on group dynamics, team development, and being a resource to fellow counselors.
Aside from the innumerable skills I developed that continue to benefit me in the so-called “real world,” I am also very lucky to be able to count many of my co-workers over the years as some of my closest friends in college. Being a part of CalSO is by no means an easy venture, but in my opinion, it is by far one of the most rewarding positions one can hold at the University

--Rohit Nafday, CalSO ‘03, ‘05, EECS & MCB

Summer 2004 counselor quotes
I grew so much in the shortest period of time. CalSO was an amazing experience. The hours were long and at times it felt consuming, but at the end of the day I could always say the work was worth it. I loved introducing new students and their parents/guardians to the University. It was exciting to me watching people get excited as they walked in and out of buildings on campus. Being a CalSO counselor is a marvelous privilege, and I wouldn't give up my experience for anything.

--Aby Vanterpool, CalSO ’04, Public Health

Being a CalSO counselor was hands down the best thing I have done since I've come to Berkeley. It was more work than I ever thought was possible, but it was also more fun than I could have ever imagined. Getting up at 5:45am is not what I would ever choose to do with my summer, but knowing that I was waking up to see 40 new best friends and make a huge impact on the students coming to Cal made it completely worthwhile. Besides giving me the opportunity to become friends with some of the most talented and interesting people at this University, CalSO also taught me to be more confident in myself and made Berkeley really feel like my home.

--Cari Bennett, CalSO ’04, Business Administration

One summer was not enough for me, I reapplied as a returner for summer 2004 and had a fabulous time! It was more than just CalSO part II. I consider my first summer as a counselor one of personal growth and skill development. Summer 2004, however, really helped affirm my knowledge of the campus, my spirit and commitment to New Student Services, and most important, the summer allowed me to focus on group dynamics and my interactions with co-workers, students, parents and guests in order to get a better of understanding of preparation, professionalism, and teamwork. In addition, I am privileged to have shared unforgettable memories with my amazing friends: the CalSO staff, coordinators, and especially the counselors. In my experience, CalSO has encouraged me to be an inspirational, motivated, and cooperative leader, and I will be forever thankful for two years of priceless work and life experience. CalSO forever!

--Maria Acuna, CalSO ’04, Mass Communications & History

CalSO was the one of the best experiences I've had at Cal. It has enriched every aspect of my life and helped me to grow as a person and learn more about myself than I ever could have alone. I loved every second of it! (Okay maybe not so much waking up at 5:45 every morning) But what got me up every morning was the anticipation of meeting literally hundreds of new people. As a counselor you are asked to help start off so many new students' Cal career, and it doesn't get much more exciting than that! The responsibility can sometimes be daunting, but it is that much more rewarding in the end.

CalSO is definitely so much more than a job. You are pushed in every aspect and expected to excel. I definitely recommend everyone apply. What makes CalSO such a great program is that it truly sets out to encapsulate the great wealth of experiences and personalities at Berkeley, and brings it all together to create a powerful and progressive group. I've met some of my best friends in CalSO and feel my Cal career would have been incomplete without it. So apply, you never know, I just might be right!

--Hieu Huynh, CalSO ’04, English 2006

I can't think of anything about CalSO that isn't glowingly positive. Last summer was definitely the best summer of my life... all because of the amazing people I've met. The counselors all become really close and you develop an incredible new network of friends on campus. You learn to break out of your comfort zone and confront fears of public speaking, group interaction, and a host of other little worries that all just melt away after two months of this intense experience. All the people you work with are fantastic. The counselees are loveable. The parents are so appreciative. It may be a little intimidating on the surface but you won't regret it. You've got nothing to lose, so go for it!

--Emily Canning, Junior, Spanish and Interdisciplinary Studies

Working with CalSO allowed me to join a community of dedicated, unique, and dynamic individuals who embody the diverse and often contradictory student body of the Berkeley campus. As a member of the CalSO team I gained countless leadership skills that helped me to better aquaint new students to the Berkeley campus. In every moment that I was employed as a counselor I was grateful for the abilities I had gained, for the friendships I forged, and for the productive service I was able to offer the school through my knowledge. CalSO has been a life-time experience for me, by which I mean to say an experience that will live with me all throughout my existence. The CalSO program encouraged me to be a better person socially, morally, and professionally and taught me the priceless quality of personal integrity. Even now, months after having completed the main portion of the program I continue to connect with fellow counselors, all of whom I count amongst my closest friends. While I may not be friends with all of them forever, I know that I share with them an incredible professional and social experience that can never be taken away from us. While the long hours and intensive training of the CalSO program often wore me down, the work we do is so productive and helpful to the students of the in-coming class that I never felt as though my energies were wasted. There is no better way that I can imagine serving the Berkeley community than by ushering in its new students to an environment that embraces them and the talents they have to offer to Cal.

--Ramzi Fawaz, CalSO ’04, English

CalSO is certainly one of the most rewarding and awesome ways to spend a summer in Berkeley. I picked up and improved on many skills such as public speaking through having to "boldface" segments and give my FYE, group facilitation through leading freshmen, parent, and transfer counselee groups, waking up early, mingling with strangers, and even leading icebreakers at a moment's notice, many of which are useful in my regular college life. Nowadays I love walking on campus even more because of all the random stories I know about each building and also I get to see counselees and counselors everywhere! The training we went through, particularly through Camp CalSO, is invaluable to me as a continuing student at Cal and has allowed me to learn through my peers about issues I'd never thought about so deeply. But best of all throughout the summer I felt proud to be part of a friendly and fun family of 40 counselors. There's no better way to meet and bond with so many different and wonderful people who share the same love for the University as you-in such a short time, than by living and working with them full-time for a summer. Fenton's, Six Flags, Oakland dimsum, and late night food runs are just a few of my most memorable moments. The days are longer than anything else I've ever done and after every program I felt like I could hibernate for hours, but really, it's worth it. Our endless photos document our time spent together on possibly the best job you can be hired for as a student at Berkeley-CalSO! Go Bears :)!

--Iris Lee, Sophomore, Intended Psychology