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 Patience Adegboyega (she/hers) below:

What does it mean to you to be U-FLi?
Being U-FLI to me means facing challenges that aren’t the norm in this elite setting. It means finding the strength in my experiences and identities to succeed, not just for me, but for those that came before me that made my place here possible, for those that supported and continue to support me, and for those that will come after me. It also means having a community of incredible people to lean on and celebrate with.

What communities at Brown have been influential in making it feel like a home?
The Black community, in the form of different organizations and spaces have made Brown feel like home. The people I’ve met in these spaces have affirmed me in many ways, especially my right to be at Brown.

Advice you’d give your first-year self?
You do not have the same background and knowledge as the majority of the people you’ll encounter. Don’t measure yourself by their yardstick. Also, whatever question you have is valuable and important. Ask them to your professors, counselors, mentors, and fellow classmates.

Favorite memory at Brown?
Singing with my acapella group before everyone had to leave campus due to COVID-19 and watching different communities come together to experience the last acapella performance of the semester.

Who are you away from Brown/outside of the student identity?
I am a daughter and an older sister. I argue often to prove a point or to defend someone else. I enjoy arts and craft like activities like crocheting and making a bullet journal.

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 Jasmine Ruiz (she/hers) below:

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

To me, being U-FLi means acknowledging our similar experiences and strengths, while also recognizing everything else we bring to the table. We’d be doing a disservice to ourselves and each other if we pretended our U-FLi identities were more salient than or didn’t interact with our other identities. Having said that, I’m thankful for how the U-FLi Center has facilitated a sense of community (particularly in an institution like Brown) & helped me befriend folks who have similar values and interests.

Advice you’d give your first-year self?

Take advantage of shopping period!!!! Stop by more club meetings, even if it’s uncomfortable or scary to meet so many new people (bring a friend – that makes it easier). Be patient with yourself. It’ll take some time before you’re comfortable at Brown, so reach out to your support systems (at home, therapy, roommates) when you feel isolated. Learn about the larger Providence community and get off the hill as much as you can!

Favorite memory at Brown?

Going to Newport with Estefany sophomore year. Going to Boston to see John Mulaney with Marie junior year. Having sleepovers with friends in the dorms. Conversations with friends that go later than you expected them to. Trying the ranch BLT from Blue State for the first time.

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

I’m a daughter and a sister. I’m a photographer. I spend more time than I should on TikTok but haven’t learned one of the dances (yet).

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 Peter Simpson (he/his) below:

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

I have thought about this question a lot, especially as I culminate my time at Brown. To me, it has meant strength, friendship and courage.

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

I met the vast majority of my friends through the Bonner Community Fellows program! During my first year at Brown, it was helpful and conducive to having structured times to meet and see each other. These friendships continued to grow as many of us became Minority Peer Counselors (MPC) through the Brown Center for Students of Color (BCSC) and formed stronger bonds throughout our junior and senior years.

Advice you’d give your first-year self?

I would tell myself to reach out more (to students, faculty, staff) and form a support network. I would also have told myself to be less afraid to ask questions and more active in seeking out resources such as identity centers, professors and support staff.

People at Brown care about you and want to make your experience a rewarding one. For me, critical mentorship and strategic engagement were pathways to feeling more connected to the Brown community.

Favorite memory at Brown?

I remember my first year when SAO hosted the initial campus dance on Ruth Simmons Quad and I did karaoke with another first-year I met during Excellence@Brown. We recorded the whole thing and I still have it on my phone. It’s a nice memory to look back on- it feels long ago, but still brings me joy each time I rewatch it.

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

I am in the process of discovering this self. I recently started learning to swim, and it’s encouraged me to try lots of new hobbies. At this point, I would not consider myself a “swimmer,” but it’s helped me to realize the importance of having a growth mindset, especially in new and unfamiliar situations.