<p>Did it? In what ways did the changes manifest themselves?</p>
<p>Cal made me a lot more eco-conscious (as in, borderline vegetarian) and supportive of local businesses.</p>
<p>What about academically? Did the competition spur novelty in manners of thinking, resulting in an “evolution of the mind”?</p>
<p>Academically I have changed dramatically. It wasn’t really the competition as much as the quality of content (as well as the depth and different perspectives) presented in the courses that made the transformation possible. I definitely notice the way I think about things, especially about the way our world works. It’s quite amazing being able to formulate your own theories/solutions with the help of the knowledge you acquire at Cal.</p>
<p>Of course academically. Prior to college I dreaded developing strategies and plans and figuring out what exactly to “analyze” in my written assignments… through the courses and discussions at Berkeley, I’ve found a higher need for cognition and now enjoy doing reports.</p>
<p>Made me realize how little I thought I knew.</p>
<p>"What about academically? Did the competition spur novelty in manners of thinking, resulting in an “evolution of the mind”? " <- Health</p>
<p>People living in competition… but I don’t care if I get behind.
All I want is to have my peace of mind (and get As).</p>
<p>I am a junior transfer and this spring will be my first semester at Cal. The competition here is off the charts and it ultimately gave me an inferiority complex.</p>
<p>Hmmmm. I’m much less shy, after having much more experience talking to people of different ages, different family backgrounds, different incomes. It wasn’t that I didn’t have the chance when I was younger, but I was totally lacking in confidence and at Berkeley I was forced to talk, at work, in meetings, in discussion (for the grade), and at the helpful counseling groups at the Tang Center (which I highly recommend).</p>
<p>As for academically, I can read anything now. I know a lot more about what to look for in a text and how I might get a good paper/thing to say in discussion from it. When I read other stuff for fun, I am more able to pinpoint what I agree with and what doesn’t resonate with me.</p>
<p>cal taught to me to be independent and look internally for what makes me happy. It also made me more accepting of others</p>
<p>It taught me that I need to study to do well in school.</p>
<p>Socially, it made me hate rich preppy kids and how segregated everyone is here.</p>
<p>It made me realize that most people who go to Berkeley are not that smart.</p>