Current Interns – PEACE

executive intern: anna leskova

Hey everyone! I’m a second year Applied Mathematics major. I am from the good ole South – Shreveport, Louisiana. I came into Berkeley believing that I was forever behind and doomed. The summer before my first year, I went through the Summer Bridge program where I took Chem P and Math 32. Prerak Juthani (one of the Co-Founders of PEACE) was a Chem P teacher assistant. He and a team of many helpful persons helped me transition into the Berkeley life. Their support inspired me to turn around and offer any help I could give for my fellow Cal bears through Teacher Scholars, tutoring at the SLC, and tutoring for PEACE. I’m moved by PEACE’s message, and I am very grateful and excited to be a part of this organization!

external affairs Intern: William shin

Hey ya’ll,
My name is William Shin (or Will), and I am a first year intended MCB or IB. The first time I ever set foot at Cal was during Summer Bridge. At first, I thought the freshmen were going to be a bunch of cutthroat students who would sabotage one another. However, I found it the complete opposite. The people in the program were cooperative and loved to work together. I never had to encounter a cutthroat type of student during my time at Summer Bridge. I was able to make a lot of new friends and learn about the numerous resources Cal had to offer. To this day, I’m still friends with some people from Summer Bridge, since we were basically family.

Once the fall started, I wanted to find an organization that catered the values of cooperation, teamwork, and inclusiveness. I found PEACE through an upperclassmen (Josh Weinstein), and I immediately wanted to get involved with PEACE. Their mission was identical to the ideal organization I thought of. With PEACE and my experiences from Summer Bridge, I hope to show the world that Berkeley is now changing its ways: from being a cutthroat environment to one that fosters unity.

Social Affairs intern: himakar nagam

Hello! My name is Himakar Nagam and I am a sophomore majoring in Integrative Biology. I was raised in Edison, New Jersey but came out to California to experience a new lifestyle. My experience here at Cal has been nothing short of amazing; there is always something new around the corner. The amount of intellectuals, the diversity, the myriad opportunities, and the rigor of Berkeley’s classes are all what drew me to the best school in the country.

These qualities of Berkeley are also what drew me to PEACE. I truly believe that cooperation among peers will help make Berkeley a more hospitable environment and I really think I can make an impact in other peoples’ experiences here at Cal through tutoring and mentoring. School is always fun when everybody else is having a good time as well, and that’s why I’m so happy to be a part of PEACE!

tutoring intern: Jesse Han

Hello! My name is Jesse Han, a third-year student majoring in MCB with an emphasis in Neurobiology and minoring in Education. After spending two full years at Berkeley, I can honestly state that I am truly grateful for the opportunity to study at a world-class public university. My time at Cal has been transformative and full of discovery. Through my interactions with a tremendously diverse student body, thought-provoking classes, and inspiring professors, I have discovered my academic interest in neuroscience and a passion for addressing the educational achievement gap found in students.

I joined PEACE because of its commitment to creating a cooperative environment to foster collaboration on the college campus. I believe that PEACE does a great job providing that supportive network through academic advising and personalized tutoring. I genuinely believe that rather than embracing the culture of competition in education, students should espouse collaboration to further investigate their intellectual interests and support one another, both academically and socially, so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and pursue their dreams.

tutoring intern: Dipra handa

Hi! My name is Dipra Handa and I am a first year intended Economics and Public Health double major. Even though I’ve only been here for one semester, I’ve already been sufficiently exposed to just how competitive the academic environment at Berkeley can be and how the competitive environment can severely inhibit learning and collaboration. I really resonate with PEACE’s mission to improve this competitive culture and am excited to be a part of the effort do to what I can to help. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by friends who always support me and cheer me on, and I want every student here to have the same surroundings so that he/she can have a positive college experience and graduate ready to contribute positively to the world around them.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join the PEACE team and be a part of its incredible mission and can’t wait to do some good work this semester.

advising intern: christie ngo

Hello! My name is Christie and I’m a second year studying Nutritional Science and Psychology. Coming from a smaller city in SoCal, going to school at the nation’s #1 public university has been nothing short of an amazing experience. The people that I’ve met – whether it be through classes, clubs, or random encounters – have been some of the most welcoming and inspirational individuals that I’ve been honored to get to know!

As a freshman majoring in the biological sciences, I was definitely challenged by the academic rigor and difficulty of classes at Cal. I joined PEACE because I really support its mission in discouraging the competitive vibe among students in favor of a more supportive environment in which we can all learn from one another. In my time with PEACE, I feel like I’ve been able to reach out to more of my peers and share my own experiences, as well as tips and advice. I’m excited for this upcoming semester and all the new things coming to PEACE!

finance intern: tony choi

Hello,
My name is Tony Choi, and I am first year intended Economics and Business Administration major. Coming to a large public university, I quickly learned to reach out for support and resources. I was fortunate enough to find peers that were willing to help me with anything like selecting classes and formatting my first resume, and I continue to depend on them for advice and guidance.
I joined PEACE because I want to reciprocate the support I received and help other students on campus. I believe people flourish the most in a cooperative and encouraging environment, and I want to contribute in building this community.
Outside of PEACE, I am a part of ABA, UC Berkeley’s largest business organization, and play violin in the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. I also enjoy working out and dancing on AFX.

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