LEAF CAL Trip: A Review

On the morning of March 14th, twenty eager students from LEAF club, accompanied by their advisor, Lance Shoemaker, embarked on an overnight trip to the University of California, Berkeley. Their journey was more than just a visit to one of the most prestigious universities in the country; it was also an opportunity to explore campus life, connect with alumni, and gain valuable insights into the college experience.

After arriving in Berkeley, the group checked into the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown. Just steps away from campus, the hotel served as the perfect base for the club’s short but enriching stay. There were a few slight hiccups involving our hotel rooms and their size, but with the help of the very generous Danny and Chris at the front desk, it was all fixed in no time. 

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to dine with UC Berkeley alumni who had previously been members of WVC and even LEAF in some cases. The lunch, held at Mezzo, provided an informal yet valuable setting for students to ask questions, hear personal stories, and get a real sense of what it’s like to transition from community college to a four-year university.

“I really enjoyed speaking with the alumni,” said one student. “It was reassuring to hear that they had the same concerns I do about college, but they found ways to succeed and thrive.”

Conversations ranged from academics and campus culture to extracurricular opportunities and the best places to study. Many students left the lunch with a newfound sense of excitement and confidence about their future college plans.

After lunch, the group broke off and took a short walk around downtown Berkeley, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the college town. The streets were buzzing with students, musicians, and food vendors, giving the LEAF club members a taste of Berkeley’s unique charm. Some stopped for college merch at the on-campus shop, while others explored the various bookstores and small shops that line the streets. Returning to the hotel, the students rested for a brief moment before beginning the tour. 

The alumni-led tour was an insightful experience led by former West Valley student Bryce Young, who also was one of the founders of LEAF Club. He took students around Sproul Plaza and the Sather Gate, explaining all the opportunities for learning and involvement along the way. Our lovely advisor Professor Lance Shoemaker led the group all the way to Doe library where we got to experience the atmosphere of the library and see students studying. 

After the library, the students were allowed to branch off and explore the campus and city once again as well as retreat to the hotel before heading to dinner with WVC’s 2024 valedictorian Jasreet. Dinner was a fun get to know each other event where some students got to reunite with Jasreet. It was a delicious dinner at Jupiter and all the students left with full bellies and joyful memories.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, the group met up with the official Berkeley guides for a guided tour of UC Berkeley. Walking through the university’s sprawling campus, the students marveled at the mix of historic buildings and modern facilities.

One of the highlights of the tour was a stop at the Campanile (Sather Tower), a towering structure that offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area. Some students even took the opportunity to go up the tower and see the entire campus from above after the tour was finished.

The tour also included visits to some of Berkeley’s top academic buildings, such as the Haas School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the Life Sciences Building, giving students an inside look at the university’s renowned programs.

Throughout the tour, the guides shared personal anecdotes about their college experiences, from navigating rigorous coursework to finding their favorite study spots. They also offered practical advice on how to start out at Berkeley and maybe even help others learn the campus in the future.

After the tour, the group took some time to explore Telegraph Avenue, a famous street lined with bookstores, vintage shops, and cafés. Many students grabbed souvenirs and even got coffee before regrouping for the journey home.

As they boarded the BART train back, there was a palpable sense of inspiration among the students. The overnight trip had not only given them a glimpse into life at UC Berkeley but had also reinforced the importance of pursuing higher education and setting ambitious goals.

For the members of LEAF, the trip was more than just a campus visit. It was a mirthful journey of discovery, growth, and inspiration. Many left Berkeley with a stronger sense of direction and a renewed motivation to work toward their future aspirations.