More than a Mirage: Cal Bears Provide Real Community Support for Students in Coachella Valley Being a new face in a big place can be overwhelming—nearly all UC Berkeley students will tell you that. You try to find where you fit in, but nothing seems to fit quite right at first. Classes are challenging, you’re away from home for the first time—it’s a lot to take in. Discouragement sets in and you might second guess your decision to be there. Then, maybe you meet someone from your hometown and they invite you over for dinner. The Cal Alumni Association’s Cal Bears in the Desert Alumni Chapter started as a dinner during Homecoming and evolved into an organization serving students in the Coachella Valley. Since 2009, they have been guiding students from Coachella Valley, connecting them with resources on campus, and helping their families feel like part of the Cal community.