A Journey of Fulfillment: From UC Berkeley to UCLA
The path to achieving academic dreams is often filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes even fear. For many students, the moment they receive their acceptance letter to a dream school is one of the most memorable experiences of their life. This article takes us through the journeys of two individuals, one from UC Berkeley's golden era to an unexpected journey towards UCLA, and highlights the emotions and reactions involved in this significant milestone.
From UC Berkeley to UCLA: A Shared Moment of Joy
In 1972, it was a known fact that everyone and anyone who applied to UC Berkeley would get in. For a bright student named Alex, it wasn't just a typical acceptance; it was a validation of his talent and hard work. Growing up, Alex was socially awkward but excelled in conceptualizing entire worlds on paper. By the time he reached his freshman year, he had not only been advanced two grades but also had a national writing award to his name.
The journey to a dream school, however, made a significant turn at the turn of the 21st century. On a Friday, March 19, 2021, Alex faced an uncertain and potentially traumatic moment. UCLA’s decisions were rumored to come out that day, but Alex had chosen to believe the worst to avoid the agony of rejection. He decided to have a normal, uneventful Friday, even going to Chick-fil-A with his father to enjoy a meal together.
The Anticipation and Rejection
As they were leaving the restaurant, Alex's best friend who was already committed to Duke sent a message: “UCLA DECISIONS ARE OUT! GO CHECK!”. Alex was long accustomed to handling his sadness alone, but the impending news of rejection was the final straw. He tried to calm himself down during the car ride home, but the temptation to check the notification became unbearable. His attempts to log into UCLA’s application portal were met with an unexpected message: “This Website is Currently Unavailable. Please Try Again Later.”
Despite the setback, Alex’s persistence did not waver. After several attempts and a 20-minute journey home, the portal finally opened, revealing the words, “Congratulations! It is our great pleasure to offer you admission to UCLA for the Fall Quarter 2021.” The news was a whirlwind of emotions—both of relief and excitement. Alex burst into tears, screaming, “We did it! We did it! I got in! I got into UCLA!”
Driving home, Alex’s father, who typically held his emotions close, was overcome with tears, reflecting the shared joy of the moment. This experience was a testament to the power of determination and the unexpected turns that can come on the path to achieving one's dreams.
The Emotions Experienced
The acceptance to a dream school brings a myriad of emotions—joy, relief, and occasionally, disbelief. For Alex, the feeling of invincibility was followed by a moment of weakness due to the shock of the news. The experience of receiving an acceptance letter from a prestigious university is often described as being on top of the world, but the reality of the moment is deeply personal and emotional.
Lessons Learned
This journey from UC Berkeley to UCLA highlights the importance of perseverance and the indomitable spirit in the face of challenges. It also emphasizes the value of humility, as even those who received automatic admissions in the past know the thrill of achieving a new milestone. For anyone on the path to their academic dreams, this story serves as a reminder that every step, whether easy or difficult, brings them closer to their goal.