By Madison Lee, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2024-2025
At Berkeley, it’s easy to be swept up in the relentless pace of “hustle culture.” Lectures, exams, and extracurriculars often dominate every waking moment, leaving little time to breathe, let alone nurture one’s creative side. Amid this whirlwind, the Makerspace became an unexpected refuge—a space where I can pause, reset, and rediscover the joy of creating.
I’m grateful to have discovered the Makerspace during a Makerspace Crawl. Until that event, I had no idea it even existed. It’s a place that has allowed me to step away from the grind and reconnect with hands-on crafts and activities that have brought me a deep sense of calm and fulfillment. It rekindled a love for creating that I didn’t realize I had set aside. So I hope that more students will have the chance to also experience it.
This past semester as a Library Fellow in the Makerspace, has been a journey filled with learning, experimentation, and connection. One of my earliest experiences involved learning to thread and use a sewing machine just minutes before a student walked in, eager to learn how to sew. Together, we tackled those first stitches—initial panic giving way to laughter and discovery. That moment set the tone for the collaborative and shared learning experiences that would follow.
As I immersed myself in the Makerspace, I was continually amazed by the projects and passions I encountered. One of my favorite moments was helping a student 3D-print a miniature spider figure. Listening to them share their love for miniatures, I marveled at the dedication and detail they poured into their work. These glimpses into others’ creative worlds became a constant source of inspiration.
Throughout the semester, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing students grow in their craft. Watching someone’s confidence blossom is nothing short of magical. One student I taught to use the sewing machine began by practicing straight stitches on paper. Week by week, they returned, steadily improving their skills and eventually completing a beautiful handbag project. Others brought in ideas for buttons and T-shirts for their clubs, clothes for fashion shows, and even intricate cosplays and Halloween costumes. Each creation told a unique story, and I felt deeply honored to play a small part in their journeys.
The workshops were another highlight of my time. I enjoyed collaborating with the other Makerspace fellows to select workshop topics that would spark creativity and plan detailed outlines and instructions to ensure the projects were approachable for everyone. Working with students to complete their first projects—whether guiding them through using Silhouette software to cut vinyl stickers or helping them transfer designs onto rubber for stamp carving—was absolutely infectious. These experiences reminded me that making isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the process. The trial and error, the learning curve, and those moments of triumph along the way are where the real magic happens.
Of course, there were challenges. I struggled with teaching when I was a beginner and didn’t have much experience with certain crafts or tools in the Makerspace. At times, I felt incompetent—especially when a student asked for help, and I wasn’t sure how to assist them. However, I quickly learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a crucial step in the growth process. Whether I sought advice from fellow Makerspace staff or consulted more knowledgeable users, I came to deeply value the collaborative spirit that defines this space.
This journey has profoundly deepened my appreciation for hands-on learning and the ability of making to bring people together. Serving as a Library Fellow feels like the perfect opportunity to merge my passion for creativity with my desire to uplift and inspire others. The Makerspace embodies a vibrant culture of curiosity, hands-on discovery, and shared growth—a community that celebrates not only the things we create but also the joy we find in the process.