Michele Leigh Berry

Hometown: Oregon, Wis.
Major: Astrophysics
Class of 2009

Same as always…

When I left for college, I thought I was going to become more sophisticated and serious. I’ve found this is not the case. I’m just as crazy as if I were back at home, if not more. I can be goofy, but I also work hard because I have goals, and I know what it takes to attain them. I thought I would have to transform myself to make friends on campus, but I made friends just by being who I am. I was recently appointed as one of the co-directors for the Izzone, which I’m really proud of.

Astrophysics is awesome…

Yes, I’m a proud astrophysics major. That means I take almost all the physics classes that a physics’ major would take, plus all the astronomy courses offered, and write a senior thesis about something in physics applied to the universe around us. Right now I’ve got a professorial assistantship in the physics and astronomy department. I perform research that will be used in presentations by one of the professors in the department. I’ve been learning a lot about scientific journals and the scientific jargon used in them.

Sticky notes are everywhere…

Being a college student is hard because I’m always striving for balance between fun and homework. I make it all work together by setting goals for what homework I’m going to get done before I have fun. My desk is covered with sticky notes, but the most important sticky note is the one that I’ve labeled: The Homework Priority List. Everyday I update my list, and I always feel like I’ve accomplished things when I can cross stuff off. My roommates and I keep the stress down by studying in a single file line with our notes on our laps. That way we can periodically massage each others backs while we study.

Living with four other girls…

I live in a room with four other girls ― all my best friends ― which can be crazy. We have lofted beds, a futon and lots of posters. During the holiday season we actually squeezed a real, full-size Christmas tree complete with decorations, lights and a star on top into our room. It was pretty cool. I also live on an honor’s floor (I’m in the Honors College) and I love it! I don’t have to worry about being the “nerd” since everyone else fits that role as well. It was nice to find people who are similar to me and have a passion for their studies.

Me and “The Spartan” statue.

My roommates and I are part of the Izzone – the basketball team’s student cheering section. We get to arrive at games early to help set up for the other students.

I’m proud to be a Front Row Fanatic at MSU football games.