From Student to Leader: Bret’s Transformative Experience at the EFL Program at UC Berkeley

November 13, 2025

Bret Chen had always been drawn to the world of business. As a high school junior from Fremont, California, his days were packed with competitive swimming, DECA meetings, and finance club discussions. But it wasn’t until he stepped onto the UC Berkeley campus for the Economics for Leaders (EFL) program that he truly understood what it meant to be both an economist and a leader.

For Bret, the decision to apply to EFL was simple; this program offered something different. Unlike other summer programs that focused solely on economics or leadership, EFL blended the two in a way that intrigued him.

“Most programs just teach one or the other,” Bret explained. “But EFL combined leadership with economics, and that really stood out to me.”

Little did he know, this one decision would shift his perspective on business, teamwork, and his own academic future. Before EFL, Bret saw economics as just another aspect of business. But as he immersed himself in the program, engaging in thought-provoking lectures and dynamic discussions, something clicked.

“I’ve always been interested in business,” he admitted. “But after attending EFL, I became fascinated with economics. It made me want to dive deeper into the subject.”

True to his word, Bret returned home and enrolled in AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics, eager to build on the foundation he had gained at the program.

One of Bret’s most memorable moments at EFL wasn’t in a classroom but during a high-energy team-building challenge. The task? Retrieve name tags from an enclosed area—without touching the ground.

“At first, it seemed impossible,” he recalled. “But then, ideas started flowing. No one dominated the conversation; everyone contributed.”

That challenge wasn’t just an exercise in problem-solving—it was a lesson in collaboration. It reshaped how Bret viewed leadership, showing him that a successful leader doesn’t always have to take charge but rather foster an environment where everyone’s ideas matter.

Applying Economics to Everyday Life

One of the most powerful concepts Bret took away from EFL was opportunity cost—the idea that every decision comes with a trade-off. It’s a lesson that extends far beyond economics.

“I use it in my daily life,” he said. “Even something as simple as deciding whether to focus on English homework or math homework, I now think about what will benefit me most in that moment.”

By integrating economic principles into his everyday decision-making, Bret found himself becoming more strategic, both academically and personally.

A Taste of the Future

Beyond the lessons in leadership and economics, EFL gave Bret a glimpse into what college life might be like. Staying in dorms, navigating the dining halls, and engaging in lively discussions with peers made him feel as if he had stepped into his future.

“It was my first time staying overnight on a college campus,” he said. “The experience reinforced my desire to pursue a future in business and economics.”

Advice for Future Participants

Looking back, Bret has one piece of advice for students considering EFL: go all in.

“It’s easy to just show up and go through the motions,” he said. “But the more you engage—with the lectures, the activities, and your peers—the more you get out of it.”

He also expressed deep appreciation for the program’s mentors, who encouraged daily reflection and created a supportive learning environment. Those evening group discussions helped solidify everything he had learned, making the experience even more meaningful.

Bret’s journey is a testament to how a single week can inspire lasting growth and clarity about the future. For him, EFL wasn’t just a summer program—it was a turning point, one that continues to shape his path toward leadership and success.