Opal Rockett is a Global Studies major with a concentration in Societies and Cultures in East Asia. I’m Aspen Ross, a freshman intending to major in Global Studies, and I interviewed Opal. We spoke about her experiences as a Global Studies student at Berkeley and experiences abroad!
What motivated you or continues to motivate you to study Global Studies?
I actually came into Berkeley as a Comparative Literature major, but switched to Global Studies because I like how real-world focused it is! I’m passionate about cross-cultural communication and interested in how globalization and language shape transnational and diasporic identities across Asia. I also am interested in studying China through policy, population, and governance.
Opal in front of Sather Gate with her cello.
What do you like most about Global Studies?
I’ve been able to travel a lot in my life and I really enjoy learning different languages and about different cultures, so I feel connected to Global Studies in that regard. I also appreciate how interdisciplinary it is. Its flexibility allows me to study a wide variety of things that interest me and teach me a lot!
Opal studying abroad at PKU, Beijing, China
How have you been able to engage in the Global Studies community on campus?
The Global Studies community at Berkeley is really awesome- everyone is very global minded and thoughtful, and we’re a really supportive community! I’m part of the United Nations Association at Berkeley. We focus on spreading awareness of the UN and its activities, like progress towards international agreements. We’re made up of various committees, such as advocacy which promotes UN Sustainable Development Goals and education which runs our DeCal.
I’ve also really enjoyed attending Global Studies Fireside chats with professors!
Opal in Beijing, China
What are your college or career aspirations?
In college I want to do research! I want to study the one-child policy in China.
In the future I’d like to live in Asia some of the time. I’m not entirely certain about what I want to do as a career, especially because of all of the uncertainty in the job market right now. But I think having knowledge of languages can open up a lot of opportunities, so I want to focus on my language skills- right now I speak English, Chinese, Spanish, and I’m learning Japanese!
Do you have any advice for underclassmen looking to get more involved at Berkeley?
Being an undergraduate student is a very free time, so take advantage of all the exploration you can do. It’s important to do what inspires and interests you and surround yourself with people that inspire you!
Getting involved in things is also great- I recommend going to UC Berkeley events because you can learn so many new perspectives, and it’s a great way to take a break from constantly doing work. Similarly, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Make sure to prioritize your sleep and be careful not to overwork yourself.
Opal in Paris, France