April 23, 2024
Standing on Asilomar State Beach just west of Monterey, Marius Castro talked with dozens of his fellow UC Berkeley students for hours under the moonlight. The moment felt special to Castro, like he was in a movie. In actuality, he was attending the first annual MPS Scholars retreat.
Zion Mayo jumps to a rock while examining the tidepools by Asilomar.
Marius Castro (right) talks with Zion Mayo and other attendees on the way to the beach.
Physics student Karla Morales De Leon presents on the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope’s camera.
Alejandra Meza talks with Professor Courtney Dressing after a series of student presentations.
Will Decker (right) and Sean McCauley participate in a career panel with MPS alums.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL FOR UC BERKELEY
Even with the university’s high admissions bar, many undergraduates struggle with imposter syndrome, a misplaced fear that they are less deserving than their peers. Attendees appreciated hearing the repeated message that they are meant to be at UC Berkeley.
The MPS Scholars team seeks to dispel harmful myths, such as the belief that students must have their lives figured out before graduation. In a career panel moderated by Dean Steven Kahn, alums Marc Bensadoun, Will Decker, Courtney Dressing, Sean McCauley, and Lorraine Sadler were upfront about personal doubt, financial challenges, and the role of luck. Many of the panelists did not know what they wanted to do in life while at Berkeley, yet they were able to complete their degrees and excel in their fields. In a separate panel, department chairs Jessica Lu, Michael Manga, and Martin Olsson told similar stories of uncertainty and serendipity to show students that many career paths are available.
Alejandra Meza, a first-year student who intends to major in physics and astrophysics, applied for the retreat to gain these insights from successful alums and faculty members. Meza’s favorite moment was discussing her research with astronomy professors Courtney Dressing and Jessica Lu.
“MPS Scholars has extensive connections to incredible scientists in my field,” said Meza, “and I learned how vast my options were in terms of what I could do once I graduate. I felt I made great connections with faculty members and my peers, which helped me feel a greater sense of belonging in my major.”
Castro has kept in touch with several of his fellow attendees. He even plans to take classes with his retreat roommate next semester.
“It's hard to describe my gratitude for the MPS Scholars team,” said Castro. “They provided the most beneficial yet relaxed space I've experienced at UC Berkeley.”