Sophia Ward

The Daily Californian • 1st May 2024

The bittersweet end of a bittersweet era

My parents weren’t lying when they said time really flies. In roughly three weeks, I will be walking across the Zellerbach stage wearing my white graduation dress, heels I can barely walk in and a “Class of 2024” stole. It seems like just yesterday that I had stepped foot on campus, admiring it in awe. It also seems like just yesterday that I had written my first blog for the Daily Californian, one about imposter syndrome. Oh, how the time really does fly.

I have spent the last two years of lif

The Daily Californian • 24th April 2024

Things I'll miss about Berkeley after graduating

Now, there’s no beef between me and Berkeley; rather, I simply feel out of place here (in other words, the vibes aren’t it for me). However, Berkeley does have many unique, cute little quirks. Here’s some of my favorite things I’ll miss about it.

The Daily Californian • 17th April 2024

I’m walking 10,000 steps a day … and it’s hard

As I approach graduation and a new chapter of my life after that, I want to improve my physical health. So, I started walking 10,000 steps a day. I’m not sure who said this is the gold standard for health benefits, but I choose to believe them.

The Daily Californian • 12th April 2024

Songs on my graduation playlist

Now that spring break is over, it’s officially countdown time to graduation. To cope with my varying emotions about growing older and entering a new era of my life, I’ve been curating a graduation playlist over the past few weeks that capture my different thoughts and feelings. Here are my current top five songs.

The Daily Californian • 22nd March 2024

Conversations you need to have with yourself

You ultimately have the power to decide how you want to live your life or, possibly, change it. If you’re feeling stuck on where to start your journey toward self-discovery, here are five questions to ask yourself. (Caution: They may get you in your feels.)

The Daily Californian • 15th March 2024

I’m entering my ambivert era

A year ago, I considered myself a true introvert. In fact, I've even written a few blogs about my experiences with introversion. Looking back on those blogs, I truly don’t think I can identify with my former self, a girl who was, at times, debilitated by social anxiety and constant feelings of stress when in a social situation. I think that girl has now entered her ambivert era.

The Daily Californian • 6th March 2024

Five ways to spice up your living space

For many people, their living space is a reflection of themselves — their likes, personality and quirky traits. With so many aesthetic styles to choose from, decorating your room or home can be overwhelming. Well look no further because here are five easy ways you can spice up your living space.

The Daily Californian • 28th February 2024

How I’m embracing my inner child

Despite growing older, there are things in the past I may still hold on to. Recently, I’ve been under a lot of pressure, which has only made me want to revert to a childlike state of playfulness without any responsibilities. Although I can’t entirely do so without completely abandoning my current workload and academic duties, these things have helped bring out my inner child.

The Daily Californian • 22nd February 2024

Power ranking things I do during my lectures

Most people dread attending their lectures because they find them painfully boring, long or stressful. That’s not my experience, though. I think attending lectures is fun because I become my most productive self. So without further ado, here’s my ranking of all the things I do during my lectures!

The Daily Californian • 12th February 2024

Things I love about girlhood

Everyone defines girlhood differently, but, for me, I think it’s about creating meaningful friendships with other women and engaging in activities that make me feel confident. I could go on and on about what I love about girlhood, but here are a few things I’ve been loving lately.

The Daily Californian • 7th February 2024

My first psychic reading experience

I’ve always considered myself an inquisitive and skeptical person. I question everything, and it’s hard to convince me that things are true unless I have concrete evidence. With that being said, getting a psychic reading was never on my bucket list.

The Daily Californian • 1st February 2024

Dealing with ‘senior year scaries’

Now that I’m a graduating senior in my last semester of college, I find it amusing how I was worried about probably nothing at such a young age, especially considering how much I have to worry about now.

The Daily Californian • 24th January 2024

My uneventful, yet perfect, winter break

As much as I would love to brag about spending the past five weeks traveling and eating gourmet food, that just wouldn't be the truth. The truth is, I spent my entire winter break in the comfort of my childhood home, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Daily Californian • 15th December 2023

Gift giving as my love language

While I love the holidays for several reasons — the baked goods, festive decorations and holiday scented candles — I especially appreciate this time of year because it allows me to express my love and gratitude for others through giving gifts

The Daily Californian • 6th December 2023

Thank you to the friends I’ve made along this road

I’m a firm nonbeliever in making New Year’s resolutions, so when I made the goal to socialize more and make new friends at college back in January, I didn’t think I would actually accomplish it. Now, it’s 12 months later, and I’m shocked at how many friendships I’ve started throughout the year.

The Daily Californian • 22nd November 2023

Vegetarian sandwich recommendations in Berkeley

After a year of searching for some of Berkeley’s best veggie sandwiches, I’ve successfully found three that I think everyone, vegetarian or not, should try!

The Daily Californian • 15th November 2023

Things in my apartment that just make sense

While living with five housemates has its ups and downs, I do have to say our apartment reflects bits and pieces of everyone’s personality, whether it’s the decor or random trinkets we all have. So, without further ado, here are things in my apartment that just make sense to me.

The Daily Californian • 9th November 2023

Changing seasons and changing times

As the leaves change color and the weather gets cooler, I can’t help but feel somber. It’s not that I hate the fall season; I just hate the changes that come with it.s disruptive in my life.

The Daily Californian • 1st November 2023

My many misleading facial expressions

My facial expressions are extremely expressive, which can be a blessing and a curse. However, they’re often misleading and always express emotions that are nowhere close to what I’m feeling.

The Daily Californian • 1st November 2023

My recent Berkeley visits

Here are my recent Berkeley visits that I recommend checking out!

The Daily Californian • 18th October 2023

Mundane things I appreciate

This past week, I’ve found myself inconvenienced by the smallest things. Now, these inconveniences didn’t ruin my day, but they did allow me to reflect on how I appreciate the little things in life — and I mean little. Here’s some mundane things I appreciate in life!

The Daily Californian • 13th October 2023

5 must-watch movies that tackle mental health

If you ever find yourself struggling or feeling isolated, just remember you’re not alone. Such experiences are common enough that there are movies made to address these feelings, specifically concerning mental health. Besides providing a form of entertainment, they may take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, which can be informative and cathartic. So grab some tissues and add these five movies that explore mental health to your watchlist!

The Daily Californian • 6th October 2023

Power-ranking random things TikTok influenced me to buy

One thing I didn’t expect from downloading TikTok is feeling this need to buy random items that influencers rave about on the app. Would my life go on without me buying a random skincare product or trinket if I hadn’t seen it on TikTok? Certainly, it would have.

The Daily Californian • 26th September 2023

Treating yourself isn't a toxic trait

If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I often love to treat myself with sweet treats or little trinkets. However, lately my TikTok For You page likes to guilt trip me into falsely believing that it’s a toxic trait to treat myself with a five dollar coffee or boba.