During the COVID-19 isolation order I’ve been… Finding ways to volunteer remotely, lots of facetime and Netflix party calls, keeping up (or trying to) with remote learning.

UCSF students from all the different schools converged at the Exploratorium on Feb. 22 for the 9th annual UCSF Formal, a night of memories one surely will never forget.

Students decked out in their gowns and suits danced the night away.

Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA

Undergraduate Institution/Major: CSU Chico/Physics

Third year graduate student in biophysics.

It’s been almost 8 years since I immigrated to the U.S. Looking back on it, I’m often overcome with immense gratitude and appreciation for being where I am today.

Hometown: Maplewood, NJ

Undergraduate Institution: Syracuse University

Undergraduate Major: Public Health

UCSF Year/Class Of: 2020

Editor's note: Sikai Song's "The First Time" is the first place winner of the Synapse Storytelling Contest's personal essay category.

I was petrified my first time, my heart stuck in my throat.

For Dave, who told me this story needed to be shared publicly as soon as I shared it with him When people find out I am from New York, they almost invariably ask if I plan on moving back after medical school.

Editor's note: Emily Yao earned an honorable mention for Bay Bridge and Boat, her entry into the Synapse Storytelling Contest, photography category. Cupid’s Span is a popular location to play with dogs, eat lunch in the shade, nap in the