In light of Brown’s transition to online learning, the U-FLi Center will be sharing narratives from the Class of 2020. We aim to affirm and honor graduating students’ time at Brown. Read about Valerie Castro-Gomez (she/hers) below:

What does it mean to you to be U-FLi?

To me, being U-FLi means acting and doing for purposes greater than myself. As a senior, one of my major sources of motivation at the moment is the thought of my parents holding my diploma in a month. Being U-FLi means persisting through every hardship I’ve come across over these past four years so I can return home as someone who’s more like my parents: stronger and more caring. They have done so much to support my goals, and finishing my college education is one way I can show that their efforts are worth it.

What communities at Brown have been influential in making it feel like a home?

Involving myself in clubs such as MEChA and La Alianza Latinx have helped me form and maintain relationships with wonderful friends, and their community events (especially those with Mexican food) will always be greatly appreciated. The U-FLi Center and student groups such as First-Gens@Brown and Sidney Frank Scholars (shoutout to Dean B) have also always been available for whenever I seek support or guidance.

Advice you’d give your first-year self?

Get in the habit of waking up early.

Favorite memory at Brown?

The countless times I went to Jo’s with my friends after a fun night. In these small moments of eating greasy french fries at 1am and cracking jokes in volumes that are way too loud to reach normally, I was cherished being at Brown because it led to these environments that induce happiness and relieve stress.

Who are you away from Brown/outside of the student identity? 

A sister that doesn’t get texts back from her brothers, a friend that sends too many TikToks to her loved ones, a food critic on Yelp, a romantic that lives vicariously through others by watching their love lives on reality tv…