Nowadays, social media makes it seem as if everybody has their life figured out and succeeds in whatever pursuits they choose. However, as Kirsten Berkman ’96 reveals to the Class of 2026: “The reality is that very few people move through life with that kind of certainty.”
A proud Berkeley graduate, Berkman was deeply involved in numerous aspects of school life, including being the head of the SERVE tutoring program, senior editor of the yearbook, editor of the Phoenix and Fanfare, Writing Center tutor, Student Library Proctor, guide, prefect, member of the Spanish club, and a dancer. Although she now lives in Los Angeles, Berkman says Berkeley’s impact has been so profound that she sent her two daughters to a school in California very similar to Berkeley. In fact, many of her teachers’ words still sit in her head to this day.
After graduation, she attended Northwestern University and New York University. She currently serves as a producer for Olympus Theatricals, a New York-based theater company. Berkman says, “Ironically, the very nature of my profession as a theatrical producer is to help forge the path of a show. Yet my own career has not even come close to following a straight line.” Throughout her speech, Berkman shares her wisdom with the Class of 2026, reminding them that “Life is full of twists and turns, and each of these brings new opportunities, some of which are unexpected but beautiful.”
Berkman uses the metaphor of developing a musical to describe how life truly progresses. A key part of this is “constantly thinking about what’s the right next step” because “there is no manual or formula” to making the perfect play or living the perfect life. Sometimes, the path can be unconventional or uncomfortable, but it can lead to even better places. As an example, Berkman shares an anecdote about the production of one of her musicals, The Outsiders. Everything seemed to be going smoothly: Extensive plans had been put into place and rehearsal schedules were locked in. Suddenly, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. Berkman admits that she “felt like live theater itself might not survive,” but now she sees it as an “unexpected hiccup in the plan.” In fact, the post-pandemic team turned out to be a better fit for the production’s vision, making the pandemic’s effect a net positive.
“What the audience sees is a polished final performance,” Berkman says, “What they don’t see are the months—or years—of uncertainty behind it.” The applause given after a show is not just for the perfected result but also for the perseverance and dedication that it required. As the Class of 2026 continues on their life’s journey, they will be faced with new opportunities, challenges and countless alternative paths. Berkman gives permission for the students to fail, to redefine success and to become a person entirely different from who they are at the moment.
Berkman believes everything happens for a reason, because “the detour can shape you more than the destination ever could.” She reminds the Class of 2026 that their story is still being written, it can still change and they should keep writing it.
After all, everyone is waiting to read it.
To read the Introduction to Berkman’s Speech, click here.
To read Berkman’s full speech, click here.
