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Kezhen "Kate" Feng, a Mt. Carmel High School graduate, was one of the North County Times 2005 Students of Merit. She checked back in from UC Berkeley, where she is studying prelaw, to offer some advice for future collegians:

What was the biggest change you experienced when you got to college?

Besides the amazing rush of independence, my first year at UC Berkeley was filled with so many unexpected opportunities that have shaped my career aspirations and perspective on life. The diverse people that I met, the memorable experiences that I got to share with them, and the realizations that I came to regarding my own maturity, really allowed me to reflect on my core values and the individual I seek to develop into. Upon entering college, one is exposed to so many new experiences that it truly is up to you yourself to determine what your priorities are and how you seek to balance your life. But no matter what, "Nothing is ever worth regretting, for every moment teaches you one more thing about life and challenges the person you think you are."

What advice can you offer to help others ease into college?

All I can say is that the biggest favor you can give yourself upon entering college is to go with an open mind--free to learn, to live, to laugh, and to thrive in an atmosphere that is specifically designed for you. Think about what you would like to remember about your college experience in thirty years, and make an effort to step outside of your comfort zone. You never know what kind of life-changing people and occurences you may encounter! And above all, simply enjoy the unexpected, and take advantage of all that life has to offer you. To put it in Ghandi's words, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

Ok, and here's an update on myself:

Besides maintaining a strong academic record, I have become involved in both on and off-campus organizations. For starters, I serve as an associate justice on our student government judicial council, which runs very similar to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, I am volunteering as a mentor for the YMCA Y-scholars program, serving as a student representative on the University Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships and Honors, serving as a coordinator for the Regents' and Chancellor's Scholars Association, and have become an active member of the UC Berkeley Model United Nations. With a double major in political science and legal studies, my current post-undergraduate goal is to study international law at an accredited law school in the hopes of one day pursuing a career in international relations, foreign policy, and diplomacy, especially with the United Nations. As for my living situation, I have moved into a most adorable apartment with my roommate from last year, and hold a job in the Office of Student Development on campus. Lastly, I am applying for various internships in San

Francisco, Washington, DC, and abroad for Spring and Summer 2007, and will update you once my plans are final.