Although most new Upper Division students join the Berkeley community as freshmen, there are a handful of students, including Freyda Mannering, who start Berkeley before their junior or senior years. I had the opportunity to sit down with Freyda to discuss her experience starting Berkeley, and some other fun topics like sports and hidden talents.

Q: Where did you live and what school did you go to before Berkeley?

I lived in West Lafayette, Indiana, and went to a small public school called West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School.

Q: What has been your favorite part about Berkeley so far?

I like the facilities for extra academic help.  The Straz [Family Fieldhouse] and the Gries [Center for the Arts and Sciences] center are both really nice.

Q: What classes are you taking and what is your favorite class?

I am taking Honors Precalc, Honors French III, English 11, Government/Economics, Honors Physics, and Guitar.  My favorite is guitar because not many other schools offer it and it’s a really fun class.

Q: What sport(s) do you play?

I play soccer both for Berkeley and for club.

Q: Do you have an idea of what you want to study in college, or what you want to do when you grow up?

I’d like to study something in the human sciences, and I’d like to play soccer in college as well.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

I can watch Netflix for days at a time… and I sing a little.

Q: How have you been dealing with the infamously stressful junior year?  

Well I probably get Starbucks every other day in the morning… and I listen to some pretty interesting morning radio talk shows on my way to school.

Q: How are you liking the food at the Berkeley Café?

I like its diversity and how there’s always a salad bar.  I love the vegetarian section and the different drinks you can get.

Q: What are  your favorite TV shows?

American Horror Story, Vampire Diaries, and Breaking Bad.

Q: Who is your idol?  

Ed Sheeran.

Q: Would you rather have wings or X-ray vision, and why?

Probably X-ray vision, because I could become a renowned doctor.

It seems that Freyda has smoothly transitioned from Indiana to Florida, and we’re happy she’s at Berkeley!