Introducing the L&S First-Year Pathways Alumni Team

Kashvi Dikshit

L&S Pathways 2023: California from the Field cluster

Majors: English & Cognitive Science (she/her)

What was the highlight of your experience as an L&S First-Year Pathways student?

The overnight camping trips with Professor Paul Fine and Professor Seth Finnegan were easily the highlight of my time in Pathways. Every other weekend, our cluster drove out to field stations across NorCal, and it felt like the perfect mix of adventure and learning. We’d spend the days exploring landscapes I’d never seen before and the nights cooking, stargazing, and asking our professors every kind of question imaginable. Those road trips felt surprisingly personal — we sang songs in the car, shared meals, and just talked for hours. As a freshman and an international student, it was such a welcoming, grounding experience and honestly the best introduction to Berkeley I could’ve asked for.

What are you majoring in or planning to major in? How did L&S Pathways help set you on that path?

I’m double-majoring in English and Cognitive Science, but my Pathways cluster was called California in the Field and was totally different — it combined anthropology, biology, and geography. Even though it didn’t directly point me to my majors, it gave me space to explore areas I wouldn’t have taken otherwise. The geography course especially shifted how I think about the subject — it showed me how human problems and choices actively shape geography, which was mind-opening. The biology class also reminded me how much I enjoy bio, and the combination of all three fields made the experience feel really holistic. I think Pathways didn’t so much decide my majors for me as it did remind me of how broad and interconnected learning at Berkeley can be, which still shapes how I approach my studies.

What inspires you to continue investing in Pathways as an alum of the program?

I know how overwhelming and even lonely Berkeley can feel at first, and Pathways was one of the few things that made me feel grounded. It gave me reassurance, resources, and community during a really chaotic time. Now, as an alum, I want to help future students feel that same support and sense of belonging. It feels meaningful to pass on the encouragement I received, so others don’t feel as lost as I sometimes did.

What do you hope future Pathways students take away from the program and your support as an alumni?

I hope they take away the idea that it’s completely okay to not have everything figured out yet. College isn’t about having all the answers from day one — it’s about exploring, questioning, and growing alongside others who are just as unsure. I’d encourage them to use this opportunity to explore as much as they can and honestly just relax, because it’s so easy to slip into the frantic, competitive mindset that can come with being surrounded by ambitious students. Let yourself slow down, try classes or experiences that simply interest you, and trust that the Pathways community will be a consistent support system as you carve out your own journey!

What’s your favorite spot to study on campus?

I love the Morrison Library! It’s quiet, cozy, and feels tucked away from the usual chaos of campus. I also like studying on Memorial Glade when the weather’s nice — there’s something calming about being surrounded by open space and students sprawled out with books and laptops.

What’s your favorite class you’ve taken in L&S so far?

That’s such a tough question because I’ve loved a few for very different reasons. English 90 with Professor Jesse Nathan was one of my absolute favorites — he brought such life and depth to the material, and it made me fall even more in love with poetry. I’m also really enjoying Professor Geoffrey O’Brien’s poetry workshop class, because it gives me the chance to experiment with my own writing in a supportive environment. Some more: Geography 50AC with Professor Seth Lunine, Astronomy C10 with Professor Alex Filippenko, and of course, Integrative Biology 82 with Professor Paul Fine and Professor Seth Finnegan

What’s a book, movie, or TV show you enjoyed recently and would recommend?

Book: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. It’s haunting and beautifully written, with themes of memory, identity, and longing that stuck with me.

Movie: I recently watched Bob Trevino Likes It on a flight and genuinely bawled the entire time. It’s tender, raw, and moving in a way that resonates so deeply.

TV show: I finished watching Monk recently — I love quirky detective shows in general, and Monk hits such a perfect balance of mystery, humor, and heart. Overall, Psych is my favorite in that genre though, would 100% recommend!

What’s your favorite place, restaurant or cafe near campus?

Imm Thai and Curry Pizza House are my top picks. Imm Thai is my go-to for lunch or dinner with friends — their flavors are always fire and they have a long waiting time for a reason! Curry Pizza House is fun and different; it’s such a creative twist on two comfort foods, and it’s my favourite place to order-in from.