‘My religion as a Sikh affects everything I do, even the food that I eat — I am a vegetarian because of my religion — and my appearance. I am not supposed to cut any hair, even my facial hair, and because culture and religion go together, I do not wear pants that are too baggy or too tight. In my religion, if you see someone you do not know, you say hello to them, and if you see someone of your religion, you will talk for a while.’   —Harpreet Singh, third-year public health major. Hometown: San Pablo, CA.

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‘I’m not religious, but I still believe in the ideas and philosophy of Buddhism. I want to have spiritual peace of mind. Buddhism helps me remember to take one thing at a time, and find calmness.’   —Loan Pham, first-year student (major undeclared). Hometown: Sacramento, CA.

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‘It’s everything to me. It’s my life. I live my life for God and my spiritual family. My goal is to have a heart that is pleasing to God.’   —Erin Vitali, second-year chemistry major. Hometown: Huntingdon Beach, CA.

Originally posted on UC Berkeley News