The first time I saw UC Berkeley’s beloved mascot, Oski, I didn’t get that starry-eyed feeling. I didn’t feel a rush of excitement, nor did I scream out loud that the campus legend was right in front of me. Instead, visceral fear shot through my veins when I came face to face with the 85-year-old bear. With those rigid, unblinking eyes and a smile that stretches far too wide, Oski looks straight out of a horror movie. Every opportunity I had to take a photo with Oski, I turned down in favor of being the photographer — anything that would get me as far away from Oski as possible.
This semester, I finally took matters into my own hands. After all, Oski is the beating heart of UC Berkeley. He’s everywhere you look — walking around campus during midterm season, hyping up the student section at football games or maybe, he’s right behind you…
So if you also feel your heart rate increase when you’re near our campus mascot, here are some tips to get over your fear of Oski, coming from someone who just took her first “first day” photo with our mischievous Golden Bear.
Figure out the root of your fear
Why does seeing Oski randomly pop out of nowhere feel like you just experienced a “Five Nights at Freddy’s” jumpscare? Is it the element of surprise? Or is it truly just him? Did your fear start when you saw photos of the first-ever Oski costume? Whatever the reason, try to determine why you feel so strongly opposed to him. For me, it was definitely the way he wiggled his fingers as he stared into my soul.
Exposure Therapy
Once you figure out why you are scared, the best way to get over it is to start with small interactions. Start by watching videos of him on the @cal_oski Instagram page, a sure way to at least bring a smile to your face as he bounces around with endless energy. Then, go with a friend to see Oski in person. Keep a safe distance at first, but still enjoy the chaos and playful energy he exudes.
Sympathize with Oski
Imagine how it feels to be in Oski’s Size 15 athletic shoes. It surely can’t be easy to carry decades worth of school spirit and tradition on your shoulders. Now, think about how sad he would be if you looked at him with fear in your eyes. Sure, there’s some guilt-tripping happening, but Oski deserves all the love and attention a UC Berkeley student can give. He is there to bring you joy, and like the rest of us, he’s also just here to graduate (kind of).
Find what’s relatable about Oski
If all else fails, remember that Oski is a fellow UC Berkeley student like you! Similar to many of us, Oski is still figuring out his career path. As an undecided and undeclared student, Oski is the perfect carefree bear to hype up the student section at Cal football games and give students a little extra serotonin as we trudge through Evans Hall. Just remember that beneath the bright yellow-sweater-and-blue-pants combo is a regular student who lives among us all year.
Take a photo with Oski
If you’ve gotten through all my previous tips, I have one last challenge for you. Go up to Oski, give him a big, warm hug and take a picture with him! Face those fears, take a deep breath and feel them melt away, replaced by a newfound love for our playful Golden Bear. Once you do, you will be so happy to have a photo with the campus icon himself — one you can flaunt to all of your jealous Oski-loving friends.
With game day right around the corner, Oski will surely be a celebrity among the crowd. Remember these tips, test them out and put your fears to rest because you, too, deserve to celebrate with Oski!