Meet All Ways Up Campus Ambassador, UC Berkeley Senior and October Scholar of the Month, Avey Songco

Q: You're back on campus. How's that going?

A: My fall term has been both great and tough! I'm really looking forward to the new extracurriculars I picked up, but having a heavy course load + navigating our new virtual space has definitely been hard. I'm living in Berkeley and it's been nice to still be around campus and safely see some friends (:

Q: Despite everything that's going on, what accomplishments are you most proud of thus far? Any specific goals for your senior year?

A: I was recruited for Berkeley Innovation and SUPERB's concert and web design committees. Berkeley Innovation is a human-centered design innovation consulting group on campus and the client my team will be working with is Kiva (a non-profit organization that allows people to lend money via the Internet to low-income entrepreneurs). SUPERB is the campus student-led entertainment production group. I will be interning for the concert committee (we invite artists who put on free concerts for the students), as well as the web design committee where we will be redesigning the SUPERB website from scratch. These were all super competitive and hard to get into and both are my dream organizations, so I'm really excited. 

Q: Any tips for dealing with Zoom/online learning? What helps you with any burnout you are experiencing?

A: I recommend trying to do school work away from your bed and/or bedroom! This is not feasible for everyone, but removing yourself from your comfort and sleep space can help with staying focused. Getting sunlight every day is super important for your overall health and taking breaks when your body is telling you it's time to is important. Listen to the body! Don't overwork yourself (:

Q: What are some of your favorite activities, or tips you have for other scholars to help with this new normal?

A: Study and food picnics have been great. You can spend time with friends (safely), get some sunlight, and still appreciate the outside world. Adapting is hard to do but reimagine ways to do the things that once made you happy before quarantine. I recently picked up roller skating and still go outside to exercise! Staying active helps with virtual fatigue and staying connected with your friends is still possible via social media, livestreams, and Netflix parties! When I start feeling overwhelmed, I really like to meditate and listen to background meditation music from Spotify or YouTube while doing so. Mindful meditation or thinking of things that make you calm and bring you peace helps reground me. 

Q: What are you looking forward to as a Campus Ambassador this year?

A: I look forward to thinking of innovative ways for us to hold our meet-ups. We have collectively thought of some ideas already like cooking socials, study nights, and watching TV shows. This new "normal" is a challenge for us all but I am excited to go through this with the AWU community. We are all learning and growing together during these turbulent times.