Written by Lillie Dawes, Summer Springboard alumni
My name is Lillie, alumni of the Summer Springboard program at UC Berkeley. Summer Springboard was two weeks that changed my life and that I will never forget. Today, I would like to share with you my top tips for getting the most out of your SSB experience!
#1 – Enter with an open mind!
At Summer Springboard, you will meet people of different ethnicities, genders, and perspectives. I found that having an open and accepting mindset allowed me to develop long-lasting bonds quickly, along with getting to know all sorts of unique individuals.
#2 – Ask questions in your Academic Track!
Being curious and asking questions in your Academic Track is one of the best ways to get the most out of your studies. Summer Springboard’s excellent instructors enjoy answering all of your questions! Curiosity is one of the foundations of learning, after all. Ask on!
#3 – Get to know the campus!
One of the most enjoyable parts of Summer Springboard is exploring the college campus. From going out to dinner with my RA group to going shopping with my roommates, we seized all opportunities to get out and soak in the college! Not only did I create fond memories, but I also got to know the incredible UC Berkeley campus and the college town, Berkeley. You only have two weeks, so take every opportunity to get out and make memories!
#4 – Engage in electives and activities!
Summer Springboard offers many useful and fun activities and electives. One of the most important is The True You, where you receive valuable insight into yourself and college. Engaging with The True You is a great way to get a head start on college prep! In addition to The True You, there are many fun activities. Some of my favorites included a campus scavenger hunt, lip-sync night, and a Summer Springboard dance! Participating in these activities will for sure help you make the most of your experience.
#5 – Enjoy the excursions!
The weekend excursions are arguably one of the best aspects of Summer Springboard. At UC Berkeley, you get to travel to San Francisco for a day and then to Great America Theme Park the next! These were the two most fun and memorable days of my experience because I was able to spend time and grow closer with my friends and create lifelong memories.
I hope you keep these tips in mind when attending Summer Springboard and make the two weeks the absolute best two weeks of your life!
Lillie Dawes is one of Summer Springboard’s new marketing interns. She currently attends Haas Hall Academy in Rogers, Arkansas. She attended Summer Springboard at UC Berkeley last summer and participated in the Global Health track. She hopes to use the skills and knowledge she received to someday make a difference in the world. Feel free to reach out @lillie.dawes