Guided Autobiography is a certified process of writing about your life. It is topic based rather than chronology based. The process emphasizes two significant things: storytelling and community building. There will be four sessions the topics of which are The First Time, Risks I Have Taken, Cultural Heritage, and Food and Drink. Note: This course offers different topics than Guided Autobiography from fall 2026. It is not necessary to have taken that course to fully experience this one.

Faculty Bio

Sara Orem has taught for OLLI @Berkeley for 10 years. Her background and academic study is in positive psychology, and the many ways we can enhance positive emotions to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

This is an In-Person-Only Course

• Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 300, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Thursday, Jan. 21, and ends on Thursday, Feb. 11
• Classes meet for 4 weeks, 2.5 hours per session (9:30 a.m.–noon)
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through Mar. 28

Member Praise for Sara Orem 

"Sara is a marvelous instructor! So happy I took this class!"

"Sara gave me the tools to capture the important things in my life and to express them to the important people in my life. A treasured gift indeed. Thank you, Sara!"

I found this course to bring many emotions to the surface in my 83-year old body. Tears flowed liberally. Life is so short."