Nina
Year: UC Berkeley, Sophomore (Class of 2023)
Major: B.A. Economics and B.S. Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Hercules, CA
Clubs involved in at Berkeley: PILLS (pre-pharmacy society), Circle K (service organization), ReUse (student-run, non-profit thrift store), University Health Services Healthworker
Work Experience: ​Campus Ambassador, Key Club International District Governor, Commissioner for Hercules City Council Community Services and Library Committee, La Sen Bistro Content Manager
Tests Taken: SAT, ACT
Career Goals: Pharmaceutical healthcare development
Languages: Vietnamese (fluent)

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Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to take every opportunity I wanted with no fear of failure. To this day, it’s still my life motto. In high school, I was heavily involved in various volunteer clubs, served as the student commissioner for my city council, and played mixed doubles for varsity badminton. However, my biggest focus was fundraising for the Pediatric Trauma Program and the Thirst Project. By the end of high school, I was able to help raise almost $20,000 for both organizations. When senior year came, I was both excited and nervous to apply to colleges. As a first generation college student, I had no idea what to expect and what to do. Luckily, I got a bunch of advice from YouTube, Reddit, and Google. I started on my essays super early and rewrote them so many times. I learned a lot about myself while writing that I didn’t know before. Though UC Berkeley is not where I originally pictured myself, I have been able to learn so much from my experience here. Before applying, I wish I knew that college is not about where you go, but what you learn. 

When reviewing your essays, I want to get to know you in order to help you showcase yourself to various institutions. My goal is to help you find the best topics that highlight your character. The application process is not as scary as it may seem. I will work with you in order to guide you through the process.