Fionce Siow

As a junior, I am told that I am at the crossroads of my college career. So, my mind drifts to foggy visions of my post-collegiate future — business-casual blazers, obnoxiously logoed mugs, a one-bedroom apartment and a skyline I can’t afford to see from my window. While I am beside myself with wonder over my daydreams, I can’t help but ponder who will be beside me as I brave this new frontier. Enchantment quickly gives way to anxiety.

Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series highlighting the research being carried out by undergraduates at UC Berkeley across a variety of disciplines. You can find all the stories in the series here. Rani Davina Chan’s first taste of French culture was through the popular children’s book series, “Madeline.” Her fascination with Madeline’s precocious yet adventurous character as a child in the Philippines would follow her as she went on to become an international student at UC Berkeley.

Last fall, freshman Gwyneth Tran was like all her others peers — trying to find a community and sense of belonging within the larger UC Berkeley campus. Although she was already part of another Berkeley outreach group, she was instantly captivated when she witnessed the close relationship between a Cal mentor and middle school mentee from another organization.