I-House: Where UC Berkeley Meets the World

I have just about two weeks left at I-House and am beginning to feel very emotional about it. Every time I step into the dining hall, I am beginning to count down the days before I will have to bid farewell. While I am sad to let it go, I am also so happy for everything I-House has meant over the course of the last nine months.

I am certainly not alone in this. My fellow Program Assistants are also starting to reflect on what it has meant to live in I-House. While some of us will continue to stay here, others are moving on to different things and places. I wanted to take this opportunity to give a glimpse into what I-House has meant and what our experiences have been. So, I asked our Program Assistants to answer some questions.

Q: What was your first impression of I-House and how has it changed over time

Anusha: When I was first coming to I-House, it seemed more like a place where I could live, eat, and meet new people from different backgrounds. It was also quite convenient that it is close to the law school. I was definitely very excited to meet people from different countries and to experience various cultures and traditions. However, I could not have possibly anticipated the way this experience would transform me as a person. Over the last few months, as I have experienced diversity and inter-cultural exchange, made friends from across the globe, attended cultural events and programs, and worked as a Program Assistant, I have seen myself change for the better. It is near impossible to even describe the magic that happens within these walls. I-House certainly cannot be reduced to just being a dorm by any means. It is probably closer to Hogwarts. (Harry Potter reference). It is certainly the most amazing experience, and I don’t think words can do justice in describing it. I feel that no one really leaves this place with the impression that they entered with.

The Anticipation 

A little over a week ago, as I sat with a friend, we eagerly awaited the release of tickets for the Sunday Supper. My friend had set multiple alarms to ensure she didn’t miss the reservation window. To her dismay, she ended up on the waitlist just one minute after registration began. For days, conversations around me centered on Sunday Supper tickets – not surprising, considering it’s the most coveted event at I-House. It brought back memories of the last Sunday Supper I attended. 

Sweet Beginnings  

In February, I had the pleasure of attending the Sunday Supper themed ‘Sweet Beginnings.’ The Fall semester’s event had captivated me with its delectable food, mesmerizing performances, and infectious energy. As the day of the event approached, anticipation built among residents. Conversations revolved around outfits and tickets, the excitement palpable and the enthusiasm contagious. I eagerly planned my outfit and checked in with friends about their ticket statuses. 

Did you play with either Barbies or Hot Wheels as a child? Were your birthday decorations mostly either pink or blue? Do you remember watching mostly fairy tales or superhero movies? 

I distinctly remember my childhood inundated by Barbies and kitchen sets, pink decorations, soft toys, and fairytales. You probably would have guessed that I am a woman. What gave it away? The Barbies? Or the kitchen sets? Or the pink color? Or fairytales? Probably all of them. My brother, on the other hand, was surrounded by Hot Wheels, Lego sets, blue décor, and action heroes. 

We grew up in a society where girls simply play with Barbies and kitchen sets, while boys play with Hot Wheels and action figures. As a two-year-old, I certainly did not question it when I was introduced to these stereotypically girlish things, and neither did my brother when he was handed boyish toys. We just took them to be normal. However, what we assume to be normal choices are not actually natural. There is no evidence that little girls are naturally drawn towards Barbies or kitchen sets and little boys towards cars and action figures. It is only after years of education and actively seeking to understand the reasons behind the differences that I learned these differences had stemmed as a consequence of deeply entrenched gender stereotypes and expectations.