Two Berkeley Semesters, Same Growth Opportunities

Hi, everyone! I’m Xiaokun “Ken” Zhong, and I recently completed my undergraduate degree in mathematics with a computer science track from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. I chose this school because I wanted to study in a more international environment and prepare myself for future opportunities in the United States.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in open-ended learning, especially in computer science, machine learning and research, where there is often no single correct answer or predefined path.

I left Berkeley Summer Sessions with not only academic growth, but also friendships and a strong feeling that UC Berkeley was a place where I wanted to return.

The Berkeley Vibe

This was one of the main reasons why I chose the Berkeley Global Access (BGA) Program for the Spring 2026 cohort. Also, I had completed Berkeley Summer Sessions in 2023, which had a very strong impact on me. During that time, I took The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (CS 61A) and General Chemistry (CHEM 1A), and I was deeply impressed by the energy of the campus, the quality of teaching and the collaborative spirit among students.

Coming from a highly competitive and exam-focused background, I found UC Berkeley very refreshing. Students were ambitious, but they were also willing to help each other learn. Professors and GSIs were approachable, office hours were active and meaningful, and the overall environment encouraged students to grow together rather than simply compete with one another.

I left that summer with not only academic growth, but also friendships and a strong feeling that UC Berkeley was a place where I wanted to return.

The BGA program gave me a rare opportunity to come back to Berkeley in a more substantial way. I could take Berkeley courses during the regular academic year, reconnect with the community and continue building toward my future academic and career goals.

During the Spring 2026 semester, I took Computer Security (CS 161), Introduction to Linguistic Science (LINGUIS 100) and Game Theory in the Social Sciences (POLSCI 135).

My computer science courses gave me a strong introduction to computational thinking and programming and helped me better understand computer security and systems-level reasoning.

At the same time, I also appreciated the chance to take courses outside my major. These courses broadened my perspective and helped me think about technology in a wider social and intellectual context. One of the things I valued about Berkeley was that even as a technical student, I could explore many different fields and learn from different ways of thinking.

The office hour culture at Berkeley was especially memorable to me. It made learning feel much more interactive and collaborative. UC Berkeley classes felt more open, discussion-based and community-driven. The academic expectations were high, but students were given many resources and opportunities to engage deeply with the material.

One of the things I valued about Berkeley was that even as a technical student, I could explore many different fields and learn from different ways of thinking.

Making Long-Lasting Connections

I tried to push myself to be more open socially. At one point, I even set a personal goal to sit down at random tables, politely introduce myself and talk with new people. I was surprised by how open and friendly many students were, and those small conversations helped me feel more connected to the community.

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was the people I met. Friendships I made during my first Berkeley summer are still important to me today.

I was also fortunate to join a very supportive research group connected with UC Berkeley and Dartmouth, which eventually contributed to a paper accepted to the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2026. That experience showed me how much can happen through academic community and collaboration.

I also enjoyed exploring Berkeley and the Bay Area. My top activities were:

Visiting the Berkeley Marina area; it is a great place to clear your mind. 

Walking around campus early in the morning

Spending time at Memorial Glade

Visiting the hills east of campus for views of the Bay

Exploring San Francisco, San Rafael, San José, Lake Tahoe and Nevada.

The Bay Area has a strong entrepreneurial- and technology-focused culture, and being here made me feel closer to the people, companies and ideas that are shaping the future of AI

Diving Into a Tech-Driven Career

I have been especially interested in opportunities related to artificial intelligence, machine learning and applied research. I’d like to focus on taking ideas from machine learning and using them to build systems that can solve meaningful problems.

UC Berkeley’s environment has been very helpful for this. The Bay Area has a strong entrepreneurial- and technology-focused culture, and being here made me feel closer to the people, companies and ideas that are shaping the future of AI.

I also appreciated opportunities to meet people interested in startups and technology, which helped me think more clearly about my own career direction.

Most importantly, Berkeley showed me what it feels like to be in an environment with no obvious ceiling. There are always people doing interesting things, building ambitious projects and asking important questions. That atmosphere has made me more confident about pursuing ambitious goals of my own. If you are open to that energy, Berkeley can change the way you see your own possibilities.