Special Thanks to the BGA Program!

A letter from Spring 2023 graduate Chuang Lyu
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Chuang Lyu stands in front of a light tower at the Pacific Ocean shore

It’s letters like these that make our work in BGA so fulfilling! Thank you, Chuang, for your lovely and inspiring message:

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the BGA program. I was deeply touched by a comment made at the closing ceremony: "Berkeley doesn't need more students to be in need of a visiting-student program; it just needs a program like this." This program has allowed me to make significant changes in my life, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement provided by the program coordinators, staff and faculty.

This visiting-student program has allowed me to explore a new academic and cultural environment, learn from top-notch professors and make new friends from diverse backgrounds. I tried different kinds of courses—ranging from computer science and information science to business—which helped me to be more clear about what I am interested in and guide me on what I should do next.

I really needed a period like this to go deep about myself and to calm down to try something I may be interested in without so much burden on my GPA, which is the missing part in Chinese education. Moreover, I have gained new perspectives and the diversity of the world, which greatly inspired my passion for exploring the domain of the unknown and finally making a real and unique person who I am.

Affected by COVID-19, my life, condition and plans are all in a mess, but I’m thankful that this opportunity gave me the time and environment to get everything back to normal. This experience has broadened my horizons, enhanced my communication skills, and opened new doors for personal and professional development.

I have gained new perspectives and the diversity of the world, which greatly inspired my passion for exploring the domain of the unknown and finally making a real and unique person who I am.

I want to thank the entire team for organizing such an enriching and transformative program. Their hard work, dedication and vision have made a real difference in my life and many other participants. I appreciate the seamless logistics, the quality of the academic program, the cultural immersion activities and the warm hospitality extended to us.

I will cherish the memories and experiences from this program for a long time and hope to stay connected with Berkeley in the future.