CalSO was a defining experience for me--so much that I came back a second time to do it all over again! CalSO got me over the nervousness I felt about speaking in public. It taught me how to walk into a crowd of people I didn't know, and walk out having talked to people I wouldn't otherwise have met. The program taught me how to work with others who were different from myself, and I learned to successfully adjust a plan at a moment's notice. It really helped me establish my place on the Berkeley campus. I found a group of people I can truly call some of my best and greatest friends, who taught me a lot about myself. Lastly, CalSO taught me to have true Cal and College of Natural Resources (CNR) pride, something I didn't have when I first came to this place that I now call home. All this makes it worth going through the 5:45am wake-up calls and 16-hour days.

-- Adrian Arrieta, CalSO '08, '09, Third Year, Molecular Toxicology

Adrian leads counselees through a morning game of Amoeba. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

Every time I ask my friend how her job is going, she responds with a sigh, shrugs her shoulders, and says, "It's work. It's ok, I guess." She then makes a face as if she's just smelled bad cheese. I feel very fortunate to have found a job this past summer that was more like a lifestyle; one that allowed me to be myself, and do something I enjoy. CalSO was something I always wanted to do but never got around to during my first three years at Cal. I finally applied my senior year, and worked this past summer as a recent grad. I'll be real with you: it was a lot of work, but totally worth it. There was a lot of training, there were late nights and early mornings, there were friends, there were laughs, and a lot of learning went on, too. This is the kind of job that enables you to use your skills and build off of what you already know, as well as develop all your public speaking, management, communication, and customer service prowess. As a counselor, I got to live with a great group of students (my fellow counselors), meet and advise new students--and their parents, and I got an inside look into the University's resources and programs. I truthfully enjoyed every task, from parking to check-in, because all tasks allowed me to interact with parents and students on some level. Each CalSO program was different, and I learned a lot about myself and others. Although it was time-intensive, I got a lot out of the program in respect to learning, networking, professional growth, and the supportive community of counselors and professional staff. I grew as a person and as a counselor. I wish I had done it earlier. Also, I discovered my passion for working with students, and now I plan to pursue a master's degree in student affairs. CalSO changed my life! Go Bears!

-- Brighitte Preciado, CalSO '09, Fourth Year, Film Studies

Brighitte takes students from Dwinelle to a morning meeting spot. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

As a transfer student, I felt that I was going to have a hard time connecting to Berkeley, and other students, outside of academics because of the limited time that I had here. Being a CalSO counselor helped me to not only build a community and make Berkeley a smaller place, but to also push and challenge myself in ways that were drastically different from my experiences in the classroom. Along with improving my public speaking, leadership, and facilitation skills, I was exposed to issues concerning diversity and social justice in depth, providing me with a better sense of awareness in areas concerning race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and more.

Going through the CalSO counselor experience as a transfer student helped to educate me on the resources available to the transfer student population. I also learned about the wide range of unique experiences that transfer students bring to this campus. After having had such a positive experience as a counselor, I applied to return as the Transfer/Fall Program for Freshmen Coordinator the following year. This position allowed me to be an even more active proponent for populations that are significantly smaller in comparison to traditional fall freshmen admits, yet they arrive at Cal with the same, or similar, concerns. I never felt more proud to be a transfer student at Berkeley than when I was sharing my own experiences with incoming students, in the hope that their transition would proceed as smoothly as possible. Having just recently graduated, I can say without a doubt, that working for CalSO was one of the highlights of being a student at Cal.

-- Carina Galicia, CalSO ' 08, '09, Fifth Year, Film Studies

On stage, Carina presents her first year experience (FYE) to a group of transfer students. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

CalSO was one of the most unusual and amazing experiences I have ever had. At what other job would you wake up at 5:45am, learn how to academically advise many students, lead tours all over campus, and then dance the Time Warp in front of 400 people? There are three main reasons why I am happy that I decided to do CalSO. First, the friendships I made during the summer with the counselors and counselees are amazing. It is really exciting to meet students from all walks of life, and to learn their stories. Second, I am further along now in the process of learning how to "work a room." I used to get kind of apprehensive about meeting new people, but now I can confidently walk up to someone, shake their hand, and strike up a conversation with ease. Lastly, I have developed confidence in myself through holding this position. Somewhere along the journey that is CalSO, I realized that I can do whatever I set my mind to; and that was the most invaluable lesson of all. Go Bears!

-- Celeste Lindsay, CalSO '09, Second Year, Mechanical Engineering

Using her mingling talents, Celeste talks with the parents and guests of L&S incoming freshmen. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

To me, CalSO was a real rollercoaster! After all the ups, and very few downs, it came to a subtle halt, but I don't think it ever really stopped. I would say CalSO was one of the best rides I've taken in my life thus far. The counselor role demanded 100% of my dedication and time, which I was ready to give to not only the job, students, or parents, but the entire experience as a whole. I strengthened my skills, developed the talent of accepting feedback and providing it to others, and learned from my fellow counselors--whom I was truly fortunate to have had the privilege to work with because they helped shape me as a person. The CalSO experience helped me take a step in personal growth, which I doubt I could have achieved anywhere else.

-- Chris Pangelina, CalSO '09, Fourth Year, American Studies

Chris welcomes incoming students in the College of Engineering. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

Waking up at 5:45am to work until 11:00pm does not sound like the ideal way to spend a summer. Neither does making awkward small talk with strangers, and being put in uncomfortable situations. As a CalSO counselor, these were a few things that I had to handle, but they were a small bit of the entire experience. Through the countless hours of training and the numerous programs, I matured personally and developed professionally. I was able to apply and foster the skills I already had by leading and facilitating groups. I became more adept at things I had not been too confident about. I have also become more familiar with Cal's academic and campus resources, and invigorated to take advantage of them! But the best thing above all, was a trusting and supportive work environment with over 50 counselors, student coordinators, and professional staff members. Those things combined made my summer as a CalSO counselor one of the most time-intensive, enjoyable, and rewarding summers I have ever had.

-- Darrell Hawkins, CalSO '09, Third Year, Architecture, Sustainable Design Minor

Darrell leads College of Environmental Design students on a tour of Wurster. Photo by Peg Skorpinski.

CalSO is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a counselor, you have the privilege of welcoming all the incoming students into the Cal family. You get to help every kind of community and make a big impact in peoples' lives. But that is just half of it. In CalSO, you learn more about yourself, how you work with others, your weaknesses, strengths, and so much more. So if you're going to law school, going to be a doctor, or professor, or you don't know, CalSO will teach you professional skills that assist you forever.

-- Davene Mignott, CalSO '09, Second Year, Intended Sociology

Davene shares her experience in the Fall Program for Freshmen during the CalSO Getting Your Bearings program. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

I applied to be a CalSO counselor based on a recommendation from a former counselor. I didn't know what to expect. I went in with the idea that it would be simply a fun summer job. However, CalSO transitioned from a job into an experience. I learned not only professional skills, but also furthered my familiarity with all the opportunities on campus. As I helped incoming freshmen transition to and learn about Berkeley, I learned about myself--strengths, areas for improvement, and awareness of issues that I found important. Looking back, it was an experience well worth the 5:45am wake-up calls and 10-hour days of training. Being a CalSO counselor was about more than giving to new Cal students; it also addressed improvement of the program for future students and counselors.

-- Derek Oye, CalSO '09, Third Year, Rhetoric

Derek after lunch at Memorial Glade with a group of Haas transfer students. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

Applying for this position, I was apprehensive about how I would fulfill the outgoing and energetic counselor role. As the summer went on, I realized that the key to being a good counselor was in learning how to be comfortable with who I am. Being a CalSO counselor is so much more than just a summer job. Because of CalSO, I met many new students, learned about campus resources, and was able to share this wonderful experience with a group of awesome counselors and staff members. I seriously can't believe I was paid to be a counselor--this job is a win all around.

-- Grace Li, CalSO '09, Second Year, Architecture

With CalSO pride, Grace holds her clipboard up high. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

I loved my entire CalSO experience--first as a counselee, then as a counselor in 2007, and as a returning counselor in 2009. It has honestly been the highlight of my college experience! Through CalSO, I gained valuable public speaking skills, and customer service skills. I learned how to interact and instruct large groups, advise students in coursework, and I gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I also learned to be more sensitive to the needs of people in any situation. These lessons all would have been enough to make the experience wonderful, but I also interacted with and befriended spectacular people (CalSO counselors and the professional staff, aka the bosses) as we lived and worked together. My fellow counselors have become some of my best friends. And knowing that I helped at least one person feel more comfortable being a Cal Bear made my two CalSO summers the best summers of my life.

-- Holly Mayne, CalSO '07, '09, Fourth Year, African American Studies

Holly sits with L&S and Haas transfer students during a health and safety presentation. Photo by Peg Skorpinski.

Working the CalSO programs was an amazing experience. I got to live and work with a group of people who all became friends, and I learned a lot about our school along the way. I didn't look into all the resources Cal had to offer until I had to know about them for my students, and now I'm glad I know more. I learned a lot about working with people, and time management, and I had a ton of fun, too. I actually got used to sleeping 5 hours a night. And I am ridiculously full of Cal spirit now! I feel like I've changed as a person. I look forward to approaching my next two years here with a new attitude.

-- Jennifer He, CalSO '09, Third Year, Chemical Biology

Jennifer gets better acquainted with her counselees during lunch. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

I originally applied for CalSO because it sounded like a good leadership opportunity. I've also learned how to relate with people on a personal level, to be open and welcoming by being energized and having the right attitude. I came in a quiet, reserved counselor and came out much more personable, outgoing, and engaged. I learned how to speak in front of large groups of people, and how to keep the attention of incoming students fatigued by the constant barrage of Berkeley info-sessions. True, there were times when I was absolutely exhausted and had no desire to get out of bed; but deep down I wanted incoming students to be well-informed so that they could enjoy all that Berkeley has to offer. Most of all, I gained confidence in my abilities, and learned how to bring together groups of students with goofy activities. It was a wonderful experience!

-- Jeremy Williams, CalSO '09, Second Year, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

A master in the art of walking backwards, Jeremy leads a group of parents and guests. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

Once CalSO was over, I found that I couldn't go a day without mentioning CalSO, and I honestly still can't. The funny thing is that while I am writing this I'm wearing my CalSO staff shirt! I owe so much to this job. Not only did I develop as a leader and person, but I met amazing people. I came in thinking my experience was going to be one way, and I came out completely shocked because it was like nothing I had ever experienced. Yes, indeed, CalSO is memorable, rewarding, and it actually led me to choose what I wanted to study, but it wasn't easy. Not at all! This job challenged me both mentally and physically. There were days that seemed to drag on, and some moments that were very frustrating, but thinking about the effect I had on students made everything better. Now, I finally feel like a true a Cal Bear!

-- Liz Solorio, CalSO '09, Second Year, Society & Environment major, Spanish and Global Poverty minor

Liz's sign is a beacon to gather her counselees from the College of Natural Resources. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

CalSO is not only a job; it is a family. When I first joined CalSO, I thought it'd be a great experience where I'd make friends and earn some summer money. What I gained exceeded my expectations. Every program I met students with amazing stories. Then, there were wonderful coworkers with whom I still keep in touch today. By leading small groups of students I've learned how to build community amongst my peers. Through sharing my First Year Experience I grew confident to speak in front of over 500 people. When I was asked to greet new students at programs, I learned how to be approachable and to start conversations. These are strengths that I can bring with me to future jobs. CalSO will remain with me forever through the friendships I've built and the skills I've gained. I will never forget this experience.

-- Myra Martinez, CalSO '06, '08, '09, Fourth Year, Nutritional Science: Physiology and Metabolism

Myra welcomes incoming L&S freshmen and their guests. Photo by Jenne Mowry.

Early morning wake-up calls, hundreds of hours of training, advising on the same topics repeatedly, and speaking in front of more than 300 people. Sound fun? You bet it was! For me, CalSO was more than just a job or something to do for the summer. It was a chance to go above and beyond orienting students to actually make a difference in the lives of the thousands of incoming students, to help them get off to the best start they could at Berkeley. It was very special to me how each and every program was a new one, with different students arriving at Cal for the first time. I had the honor of being one of the first people incoming students met, to be the face of UC Berkeley along with my fellow counselors.

Aside from the students I worked with, I also worked with amazing CalSO professional staff, student coordinators, office clerks, roadies, and of course other counselors. I made very close friends and learned so much this summer from these people whom I would never have had the chance to meet if not for this program. Meeting so many new people, both new students and staff, learning about them and learning from them, and of course Time Warping to my heart's content brought me, quite literally, the most rewarding summer I have ever had.

-- Nick Johnson, CalSO '09, Third Year, Chemical Biology

Nick walks with transfer students to an advising session for the College of Chemistry. Photo by Peg Skorpinski.

CalSO changed my life. Without a doubt, it was the best thing I did at Cal my first year. It was tough sometimes to have such a packed schedule, and not all of the incoming students and parents were very compliant, but overall it was the experience of a lifetime. I learned how to better deal with people, mingle, to facilitate discussions, leadership skills, and more. I even learned that I was a fairly good public speaker, too! To top if off, I gained friendships that may last anywhere from four years at Cal to a lifetime.

-- Patrick Keenan, CalSO '09, Second Year, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering

As cliche as it sounds, CalSO was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I grew exponentially because CalSO demands that you hone your skills in public speaking, organization, time management, working as part of a team, and more. Nowhere else will you get the chance to speak in front of over 400 people about your experience during your first year of college. The skills that you gain are skills that you will use throughout your life, essential skills that you can apply in whatever career you choose, as well as in many interpersonal situations.

I feel that after CalSO, I know myself better: the way in which I interact with people, greater awareness of how I am perceived, as well as how I can affect that perception. Also, I feel that I am much more confident in my abilities to relate with people--an invaluable skill in life. In addition to the many skills you gain, you will also meet amazing people; people who are motivated and determined to make changes in the world, people who will challenge your perspectives and broaden your horizons, as well as be great friends to you. I really can't say enough about CalSO. I would not trade my experience for anything in the world. All I can say is: you have to experience it!

-- Rashida Wright, CalSO '09, Fourth Year, English

Rashida strikes the opening pose in a game of Ninja on lower Sproul. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.

CalSO 2009 was full of learning and growth opportunities for me, both professionally and personally. As a job, it helped me develop a professional demeanor, and a whole skill set including public speaking, customer service, leadership, communication, mingling, problem solving, conflict resolution, group facilitation, and dancing the Time Warp. As a growth experience, it expanded my horizons in many different ways. I learned so much about Berkeley--not just the campus resources--and gained new perspectives about what it means to be a Cal Bear. I felt much more like I belonged at Berkeley. At the end of CalSO, I had a clearer vision of my future career, and found out things about myself that I hadn't thought of before. Perhaps most importantly, CalSO was a community. At first, I was pushed out of my comfort zone to meet people I wouldn't have interacted with otherwise, but I found that ended up helping me put my experiences in perspective, expand my own community, and make me a more well-rounded person.

-- Zoe Xu, CalSO '09, Fourth Year, Psychology

During CalSO check-in, Zoe answers a question. Photo by Marissa Toffoli.