I just graduated from Berkeley a semester early due to a serious medical illness. I had my next semester all planned out to finish my minor, but I made the difficult decision of placing myself on the Degree List early; I figured, I already have my major classes completed and my illness was aggravated very much, possibly life threatening, so I’d rather not take chances and just pack up and leave early and not push my luck trying to finish my minor.
I’m feeling really lost though. I didn’t graduate with the stellar GPA I wanted, not by a long shot, because for the past couple semesters I was spending a lot more time battling my illness and hospital bureaucracy than studying unfortunately.
I’m feeling lost because I love being a student; I had plans to go on to graduate school after I got great GRE grades, maybe doing some research and submitting to some papers or conferences.
But unfortunately those didn’t get to happen before I left.
What should I be doing now? I’m not currently with a job due to me pursuing treatment for the time being before I do any more heavy lifting I need to take care of this first. I feel I should be doing more productive academic things with my time though. What do you guys suggest?
Taking some nearby CC classes? Studying the GRE? Looking at grad schools I’d like to apply to in the future? I really want to study some academic journals on my own, maybe hone some research topics in my area of study or something. Can someone help me with tips please? I’m feeling lost without this structure and as a 1st gen I’m not even sure how to navigate this graduate school thing, I wish I could ask at L&S and the advising teams or Career Center but I had to move pretty far away for treatment 
Your health is your priority. You made the right decision despite any negative effects. I would suggest asking Berkeley student services (?) via email for their recommendation.