By Johanna Harrell, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2025-2026
My time as a Makerspace Fellow this year has been one of the most unexpectedly rewarding parts of my Berkeley experience. When I started my fellowship, I was excited to learn new skills and get comfortable with tools I had never used before, but I didn’t realize how much the people around me would shape the experience. Whether it was helping someone troubleshoot a tool, figuring something out together for the first time, or just sharing a moment of excitement when a project turned out better than expected, those interactions quickly became my favorite part of working in the space. I loved how naturally conversations flowed. One second we were talking about how to thread a machine, and the next, someone was telling me about their midterms, their family back home, or how stressed they were about everything happening in the world. Those moments made the space feel bigger than just making things.
Throughout the fellowship, I learned not only technical skills but also how to teach and guide others with patience and care. There’s a special kind of energy that fills the space when someone walks in, unsure of what they’re doing, and leaves feeling proud of what they made. One of my favorite peer learning moments happened when I worked with a student who came in wanting to try something completely new. We were learning embroidery. I had just started developing this skill myself and only knew one type of stitch, so we learned together step by step. We focused on basic stitching techniques and getting comfortable with the tools and process. Learning alongside her made the experience feel collaborative and helped build her confidence to explore more on her own. As we worked, our conversation drifted from the project to the classes we were both taking and how we were trying to balance everything. Seeing someone gain that confidence in real time, both in their skills and in opening up, reminded me why the Makerspace is such a powerful community resource.
Working behind the scenes also taught me a lot about collaboration through consistent communication with my cohort and staff. During busy shifts, when the space was full and multiple students were asking for tools or help using sewing machines, I worked closely with other fellows, such as Hannah, to provide one-on-one support. We regularly checked in with each other about who was assisting which students and what still needed attention, which helped us respond efficiently without overwhelming any one person.
I also collaborated closely with Makerspace staff, especially when I needed guidance on setting up workshops or learning how to use unfamiliar equipment like the 3D printer. By asking questions, receiving feedback in real time, and adjusting plans together, I learned how to anticipate student needs more effectively. These experiences showed me that collaborative communication and shared responsibility are essential to creating an environment where students feel supported and comfortable experimenting without pressure.
As the semester comes to a close, I feel grateful for every conversation, every new skill, and every shared moment in the Makerspace. This fellowship gave me a deeper appreciation for community learning, creativity, and the importance of spaces where people feel safe to try something new. I’m leaving with more confidence, more curiosity, and a genuine love for helping others explore their own making journeys. I’ll carry these lessons with me far beyond this role, and I hope to keep finding and creating spaces where that same sense of connection, creativity, and everyday conversation can thrive.