As I am entering my 6th month both working at Berkeley and living in California, here are some things I have learned:
1. Berkeley Pride is a beautiful thing.
Lots of passionate people here. I like that. It feels motivating to be in a place that is so loved by its people. There is also some amazing loyalty here. People stick around. And I think that when you have people choosing to work at this University for decades, that’s shows how impactful Berkeley's mission and values has on others.
2. Comfort>Cute when it comes to footwear on campus.
Now some may argue that they have mastered both but I’m not convinced. Walking around the hills on campus has firmly landed me on team comfort. That being said I have yet to find a truly comfortable pair of work shoes so if you have any ideas, help me out!
3. The views out here win.
Number one in my heart will always be the sunset from my Grandma’s beach house in Connecticut, but that aside, I have seen multiple breathtaking views since being here. So far, the views landing at the top of my list include the top of the Campanile, the view from the ledge at the Lawrence Hall of Science, Grizzly Peak, Bernal Heights Park, and the Marin Headlands. Pretty impressive list so far. Check out some of the views I've seen so far below!
4. Wearing a lanyard with your Cal ID card around your neck is NOT cool.
Some might argue it is very practical (me!) but I have learned thanks to the advice of some colleagues that it is a newbie move. Maybe I can make it a cool fashion statement. Who’s with me?!
5. California “New York Style Bagels” are NOT New York style bagels.
Sad but true. There are tons of amazing food options out here (Thai food, ice cream, seafood, farm to table, pizza even) but bagels are not it. So far Yali’s is at the top of my list. (Sidenote: Please email me if you find a good bagel.)
6. Layers Layers Layers.
I have found myself rather confused about the weather here. I can count on one hand the number of days since living here that I have not been both cold and sweaty in the same day. Maybe I’m still adjusting, but layers help.
7. Jaywalking is highly frowned upon here.
And for good reason. I’ve learned by having some close calls. In Boston and New York it’s more common, mainly because people are always late, even when they’re early. But ya, don’t jaywalk.
8. Compost.
Now that was something new to me moving out here. California has the East Coast beat on that one. I notice how many compost bins are scattered around campus, and it’s pretty cool. I do think that there should be some bold type rules on what goes in the bins though... some people seem to get confused.
9. Waiting on line for the bus or for BART is a thing.
As in people will give you dirty looks your whole way home if you are oblivious to the line and just walk on when your mode of transportation arrives. I think West Coasters are a bit politer when traveling.
10. Don’t say “Cali” or “San Fran”:
Automatic sign you are new and it’s just not cool. Some acceptable terms are “SF,” “the Bay Area,” “The City” (although NYC will always be the real city to me).
