Berkeley freshmen

With the first semester of school coming to an end, Kashawn Campbell prepares to sign up for spring classes with the help of Spencer Simpson.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Spencer Simpson spends time studying in his dorm room before class. Simpson grew up in Inglewood and attended Inglewood High.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

To help prepare for his first college finals week, Kashawn Campbell attended as many study groups as possible.  (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Kashawn Campbell was a straight-A student at Jefferson High School in South L.A. But he is struggling at UC Berkeley.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Kashawn Campbell and his best friend, classmate and roommate Spencer Simpson, walk into their African American studies class.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Spencer Simpson, left, and Kashawn Campbell chat before their African American studies class.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Kashawn Campbell takes a break from studying in his dorm room to chat with a friend on the phone.   (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)