Congratulations on completing another successful academic year! BWIB has
accomplished so much as an organization during this short year thanks to all of
your contributions. From this blog, to our enhanced alumni network, mentorship
projects, YouTube channel, LinkedIn directory, and expanded list of sponsors!
Being able to take an idea and quickly implement it is just one of the many things
that makes being part of BWIB so gratifying. I know you will all learn and grow
even more this summer and I hope that you can apply what you have learned
towards improving and expanding our community on campus.
Post graduation, as I pack up the last of my belongings there is so much I want to
share with you all- from the restaurants in Berkeley I wish I had known about
earlier, to how to never pay for a blue book again, to my job hunting realizations.
I came to Berkeley feeling as if I “knew it all,” ready to start the “best years of my
life” at the number one public university in the world, but I leave Berkeley
knowing I don’t know it all and that four years can pass in the blink of an eye. I
want to leave you all with a few last words of reflection.
First, you are not alone. Hundreds, if not thousands, of other people on this
campus feel the way you feel. This isn’t meant to make your feelings feel less
important or insignificant, but as reassurance that you will overcome, and you will
persevere, and that if you speak up about how you are feeling, chances are,
others will be able to relate.
Second, make sure to always ask for what you want. People cannot read your
mind. Whether it’s in class, at a job, or in a relationship by verbally expressing
your needs you are more likely to get what you want.
Third, never underestimate your value. In the hyper-competitive Berkeley
environment it is easy to feel small. If you continually put yourself out for
opportunities (jobs, clubs, scholarships, performances, etc.) odds are, you may
face some rejection. Remember that success is not measured by having things
go the way you planned, but by how you react in the face of adversity. What
matters is that you keep reaching for those opportunities, and love yourself
unconditionally throughout the process.
Fourth, help others, especially other women, every way you can. Women often
see themselves as in competition with one another, because of the current
disparity of women in leadership positions. In reality, we all benefit from progress
made by other women. A win for one of us, is a win for all of us, so offer a hand
whenever you can.
As I finished my last final as an undergraduate, for the Cultural History of
Advertising, a consistent theme throughout all the time periods we explored was
the representation of women. Though progress has been made women continue
to be objectified and put in to societally pre-determined boxes. It’s up to us to
continue to change this dialogue and speak out against representations that do
not promote positive images or messages. Don’t settle for a world that body
shames, sexualizes, and objectifies women. In light of these issues we face, it
makes communities like BWIB that much more valuable.
I look forward to seeing BWIB grow and expand its presence on campus, having
a positive impact on the experience of more women at Cal and beyond. I also
hope to follow many of you as you individually grow throughout your lives and
careers. Please never hesitate to reach out to me, I will always hold BWIB and all
its members very near to my heart.
Kendal Madden
President 2015-2016
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