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Category: Student Highlight (Page 2 of 4)

Carla Yuridia Balvaneda (’22)

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On March 2, 2020

In Student Group, Student Highlight

Meet Carla Yuridia Balvaneda (she/hers), a sophomore from Southern California. Carla plans to concentrate in International and Public Affairs, and potentially Education Studies as well. She is also the Community Outreach Chair for First-Gens@Brown. Read the full interview below:

How are you?
I’m alive. I’ve actually been doing pretty well I think. I almost don’t recognize myself with how well I’m doing. I’m putting support systems in place and taking care of myself in ways that I didn’t prioritize in other semesters. I really enjoy my classes this semester also.

Why did you decide to get involved with First-Gens@Brown?
I think coming in as a first-year, move-in day was probably the worst day. I remember during orientation week there was an event for U-FLi students. I almost cried because I remember hearing things that resonate with me. Coming here and not knowing a single soul was kind of alienating, along with the introduction to academia. Being involved with First-Gens@Brown was a way to be involved with the U-FLi Center and a group that works together to empower students. I think it was helpful for me to find that community and help foster that community I was looking for. 

Any advice for first years?
Go to CAPS. I think it’s okay to not know, whether that’s what I want to concentrate in or feeling lost. I’ve realized that that’s not something only I was experiencing. Also definitely take advantage of resources, like being able to communicate with alumni, talking to deans, going to office hours. It’s definitely something I wasn’t comfortable with my first year because I didn’t have experience with it and was learning how to navigate it. I wish I had taken more risks in those areas. In terms of balancing family expectations and my expectations, I’ve realized that what really matters is what I want to do and that I enjoy doing what I want to do.

Who are you outside of Brown?
I feel like that’s something that lately I’ve been trying to figure out. In realizing that I’m going home, or things outside of school, I think it’s hard sometimes. Being on campus and living here, it feels like Brown is everything but I remind myself I’m only 19 years old. Being here is only a small part of who I’m going to be and who I want to be.

I also like literary fiction. I like hot cheetos with cheese, with lemon, or Valentina.

Jose Martinez (’23)

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On March 2, 2020

In Student Highlight

This week, our Community Narrative highlights Jose Martinez (he/him/his), a first-year from San Antonio, Texas. Jose is double-concentrating in Visual Arts and Modern Culture and Media Studies. He is also a photographer and filmmaker. Read the interview below:

How are you? How’s your semester going so far?
It’s good. Coming back was a huge change in weather. It’s been much colder than I expected, but shopping period treated me well. I got into the classes I wanted to get into, but I ended up with a schedule completely different than the one I started off with.

How did you get into photo/video work?
It’s funny – the camera that I have today isn’t my camera. It’s my sister’s camera. She got a camera for her quinceañera. That was her big present, but she didn’t really use it. I was like 15 or 16 when I saw it in the closet collecting dust, so I was like hey I might as well just take pictures. 

I started off doing sports photography for my middle school and high school. People would be like, oh I like you’re pictures, and I thought I could take this a little more seriously. That’s when I transitioned to doing more portraits and concert photography. I honestly didn’t start taking it super seriously until my junior year, so I was already like 3 or so years into shooting. 

What does it mean to you to be U-FLi?
I guess a big part of it is understanding that you’re special. Most people don’t have the same experiences you have, and even within the U-FLi community, not everyone’s experiences are the same. It’s being cognizant that you’re going to have to work harder than other people because the system is built that way. But you also know to not forget where you come from. A big part of it is looking back to your roots and the reason that you work so hard. 

You can find Jose’s portfolio here.

Abigail Teshome (’23)

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On February 10, 2020

In FLiSP Scholars, Student Highlight

We’re excited to finally reveal our first Community Narrative of the semester! Last week, we interviewed Abigail Teshome (she/her/hers), a first-year participating in the FLi Scholars Program. Abigail is a PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) student hoping to concentrate in Cognitive Neuroscience. She is from Denver, Colorado. Read the interview below:

How are you? How’s your semester going?
I’ve been doing pretty good. I feel like this semester is a lot less overwhelming than first semester. The transition period is kind of fading out. I feel more comfortable. I feel like classes are getting a lot harder, which is the main thing I have to transition to now. It’s more academic than social. I’m really excited for this semester. I feel good.

How was your transition to Brown?
I grew up in a town that was very diverse. My high school was basically even in terms of race, and I grew up thinking that’s what the world was like. When I came to Brown, I realized that’s not what the world is like. People talk differently here, act differently, the humor is different. I feel like it was hard to make a genuine connection to the people here but after I found people I’m comfortable with, the experience was much better. It was a learning experience. I learned more about myself and who I am. I was in a situation where I had to figure that out and find the people I wanted to associate with. 

Has FLiSP helped with the transition?
FLiSP has made such a nice community from the start. It starts really early in the year, so I felt like if I had a concern, academically or socially, it’s a nice place where I didn’t feel like I had to put up a front and act like I had it all figured out. Especially with the one on one with Renata. During the first meeting, I was uncomfortable. I didn’t know what I was doing academically. At the end of the semester, she went over my goals and how I felt and compared it to now. I saw how much I grew as a student and as a person. I feel like without that community, I wouldn’t be able to conceptualize that.

What does it mean to you to be UFLi?
I feel like there’s definitely comfort in having a shared experience with other UFLi students on campus because at least day to day, it’s kind of rare to meet people who identify as UFLi. One of my good friends in FLiSP, Harriet, is from Kenya. I feel like having the shared experience of coming from an African household and not having guidance helped me feel less isolated. And even though that was my circumstance, I’m still deserving of my spot here.

Who are you away from Brown?
I feel like away from my identity as a student, the biggest thing that has influenced my life is my culture. I’m Ethiopian and Eritrean. There’s a very big Ethiopian community in Colorado. My high school had over 100 Ethiopian students. That’s something I keep near and dear to me. Outside my identity as a student, that has influenced not only the way I perceived the world and the things I learned, but also the way that I’m open to seeing other points of views.

Hemant Kadiamada (’20)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Group, Student Highlight

For our Community Narrative this week, we interviewed Hemant Kadiamada (he/him/his), a senior concentrating in Public Health and participating in Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). Hemant was raised in Southern California, but also considers his mother’s hometown in Mexico and his father’s hometown in India some of his homes. Read more below:

How are you? How’s your year going so far?
Right now I would say that I’m in a good place in my life. This  year is so different from any other year at Brown, and most of that difference is a lot of good. I think a big change is definitely the classes that I’m taking and the things that I’m doing. It’s a mix of classes and also projects and opportunities. It’s so easy to remind myself I’m doing this because I really like doing it. It’s so easy to bring myself happiness through the work that I’m doing.

Freshman and sophomore year, I was doing a lot of the PLME requirements. Going into Brown, I knew I wanted to pursue a medical track but I was also so young. I didn’t know a lot about what that meant. I was kind of following a premed journey. I think in that way, premeds really have a difficult time because they have to take such rigorous classes that require a lot of time.

I think medicine is so beautiful because it has this human aspect rooted into it – connecting with people, listening to people’s stories, and wanting to guide them to live a good life. That’s also why I really love Public Health. It’s really the bridge to me. I think it’s a beautiful way to remind myself that as I’m going into medicine, people are more than what goes on in their bodies. We all have journeys we go though. Those are just as, if not more, valid than the genetics or biological factors we’re born with. 

Advice you’d give your freshman year self?
I would actually say don’t be afraid to think about yourself outside of Brown and remember that the world is so big. Yes, my place here matters so much, being in school and pursuing an opportunity that is my own and is really a manifestation of what I want to do in this world, but don’t be afraid of the world around you, of experiencing new things, of possibly facing challenges.

Even if I go through something difficult, I believe that I have the strength to continue going. Even if I can’t do it on my own, I have the ability to ask for help, whether that be through family, friends, or other resources.

Who are you away from Brown?
Away from Brown, I am a person who really loves this world. When I think about the world, I think about my family. I think about where my family is. I also think about my cultures. I also really love my spirit of adventure and wanting to explore new things to really see what this life offers. 

I really like exploring the world around me and observing and listening. When I’m back home, I go on a bike ride that’s from my house to the beach, which is like 2 hours. I like going to a new area and just adventuring around, seeing new things. Away from Brown, I would say I’m someone who really values this present moment.

Jai’el Toussaint (’22)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Highlight

For our Community Narrative this week, we interviewed Jai’el Toussaint (he/him/his), a sophomore from Massachusetts concentrating in Africana Studies. Read more below:

How are you? How’s your year going so far?
This year is interesting in that freshman year was hard but fun. This is one of the first years I’m concretely thinking of my future, what classes I want to take, what activities I want to be in. I’m building on stuff that existed freshman year but every day is interesting. I’m really grateful for all the friendships and bonds that I’m forming. I have a really strong friend group and support group there. I’m really happy building on that. Good, but tired.

What community at Brown has been influential in making it feel more like a home?
I think my community and a strong friend network. While I love my clubs, there’s no club where I’m like oh this is everything. I love them all but I just really admire and appreciate my friends. They’ve been there for me through good and bad days, seen me at my best and worst. I’m really happy for the friends I’ve made here and how instrumental they’ve been in helping me develop as a person.

One of your favorite memories at Brown?
During the winter of freshman year, our class coordinating board had organized an ice skating event. I had never been, literally didn’t know how to, and all my friends were like come on do it. I singed up and got a position. We all went. It was really wholesome in that I pushed myself out of a boundary I had. I was able to have fun. I didn’t fall. Also a plus in that moment was thinking these are all your friends, these are the people that love and care for you, and people who are going to push you to grow.

Advice you’d give your freshman year self?
First and foremost, take the time for yourself. It’s okay to not do everything perfect or get everything done right away. You want to space out your things and plan accordingly, but also make sure you’re taking care of yourself and getting proper sleep and nutrition. 

Who are you away from Brown?
A real family person. I would say I deeply care for members of my family. My mom and I have a really close bond. When I go home for the summer, my mom and I would watch movies or get a quick food or meal. I really like that.

Omar Alani (’22)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Group, Student Highlight

For our Student Highlight this week, we interviewed Omar Alani (he/him/his), a sophomore from Malden, Massachusetts concentrating in Neuroscience. Read more below:

How are you? How’s your year going so far?
I’m doing well! This is a little different. I had surgery in August on my vocal cords to remove a cyst and since then I have been instructed not to talk. It’s genuinely a unique experience for me. Communication is much more difficult, but taking ASL this semester has taught me new ways of communication which is really fun. I’ve learned to listen more this year, something everyone should be actively practicing. That’s the only way we can learn what our family, friends, communities, etc. need. Listening to ourselves is just as important to know who we are, what our strengths are, where we can improve, to know how we can support those around us.

What does it mean to you to be UFLi?
To be UFLi means to be part of a community that uplifts one another to raise our voices and make sure we are heard. Although we may come from similar backgrounds we all have a unique story and being part of the UFLi center means our stories are heard and celebrated making us feel comfortable and welcome.

Can you tell me a bit about what you’re involved with on campus? Why are you involved with those communities?
I am involved with BRYTE, QuestBridge, PALs through Bonner, and the Muslim Student Association. I am involved with each organization because each community holds a marginalized identity where their voices are almost never heard.

Being Syrian myself and witnessing the direct effect the Syrian Crisis had on my family led me to join BRYTE to tutor refugee youth and empower them to have the ambition to use their voice.

As a QuestBridge Scholar, I understand that the voices of the low-income community are not represented enough in today’s world so I became involved to empower students like me to advocate for their rights and feel welcome in places they may have never imagined themselves to be, like Brown University. 

I work with PALs as a tutor for disabled adults because they deserve the same attention and happiness everyone else enjoys in the world and by spending quality, intimate time with them, one can truly bring positive change into their lives.

Working as in intern with the chaplain of the MSA I try to make the muslim community at Brown more diverse and inclusive to bring about different perspectives and ideas that otherwise may never been heard. In doing so, I hope to create a stronger community that empowers one another to again speak up and talk about issues that muslims face in our communities so that we can work together to solve these issues.

What community has been most influential in making Providence feel like home?
Going to my BRYTE family’s house makes me feel like I’m at home. Being able to speak arabic to my BRYTE family and share dinner with them reminded of my family. The smell of the house, the food, the people, everything reminds me of home. These refugee families that welcome us into their homes so openly and so warmly that it would make anyone feel at home.

Favorite memory at Brown?
My favorite memory at Brown would have to be when my friends surprised me with Celtics tickets on my birthday. They took me to the mall first to get me a Celtics shirt then drove me up to the game. After the game, we went out for burgers. This meant a lot to me because I never celebrated my birthday like that before. I’ll always remember that day.

Advice you’d give your freshman year self?
Do what you love and what you’re interested in because that’s the best time to explore and understand who you are as a person. Through exploration, we discover our true motivations, ambitions, and surround ourselves with the right people where everyone’s growth is mutually supported.

Kris Cho (’22)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Group, Student Highlight

For our Student Highlight this week, we interviewed Kris Cho (she/hers), a sophomore from Columbia, Missouri. Cho is concentrating in Public Policy and Ethnic Studies. Read more below:

How’s your year going so far?
Surprisingly okay. I’ve definitely had ups and downs but I think we’re either at net zero or net positive. I’m finally starting to put routines in my schedule and use new organizational methods that are working really well for me. That’s not to say I don’t have sophomore angst trying to navigate this institution, but I think I finally started taking care of myself in a way that’s much more intentional this year. Because of that I want to reward myself by saying I’ve been having a pretty good time. Also, I just saw my sister last weekend so that’s pretty great.

Can you tell me a bit about what you’re involved with on campus?
I’m involved with Brown Asian Sisters Empowered (BASE), a really amazing organization that really got me through my first year at Brown. It’s a really beautiful community of these incredible political Asian womxn that really just uplift each other and empower each other. I’m so so so fortunate to be part of it. 

I’m also involved with WORD! performance poetry. We are a POC/queer POC spoken word group and it’s really awesome. Also got me through my first year, also getting me through this year. I came into Brown not having done a lick of poetry and really wanting to get back to or find creative outlets. Storytelling was really important to me in a lot of different ways so I was kind of drawn to this group. It’s been really central to communities I’ve been able to find here and different outlets I’ve been able to find here. For the first time last year, I started calling myself a poet and that was really powerful. 

I also just joined the Brown Progressive Action Committee, which I have mostly interacted with via Facebook events and mobilization events that have popped up on my feed. I’m really excited for all the work that we’re doing with them. I did a lot of local politics back home in Missouri so I think especially last year I really wanted to get back to it. I think a lot of local politics is really important. There’s a lot of tangible change that comes from local politics. It gives me a sense of purpose and drive when things are happening where you can see them.

What does it mean to you to be UFLi?
I think it depends on the day. Sometimes it’s really tough, like seeing what I don’t have access to and seeing what some of my friends have access to. Sometimes it feels really heavy to know the almost invisible disparities that I know exist between me and other students, and sometimes even disparities within the community. I know and want to acknowledge that I have certain levels of privilege in this own community. I think on other days it’s really incredible to see the kind of spaces that UFLi students have created here. I am so so so grateful for the community and the love and the warmth that is so pervasive in this area and this space. Not this physical space right across from the SciLi – I feel like the SciLi radiates bad energy. Except for the 5th floor. Love you Renata and Julio. But yeah, I think the most marginalized identities come with an ability to be aware of certain things that the majority of campus is not aware of. Of course it’s frustrating sometimes, but also it’s really empowering to be like hey we have have this very important point of view that you can’t just read out of a textbook. I think that is really validating to the importance of existence. 

What community at Brown has been influential in making it feel like a home?
Honestly, to a certain extent Brown does feel more like a home than Missouri, just as a queer Asian person. Of course there are things I miss about Missouri but I think this is the first place where I’ve really been able to feel like I can be out and find spaces where I can explore what it means to be queer and Asian. I think BASE was a really great space for that just because there are so many queer Asian people who I really respect and look up to and love so so so deeply. I think Twitter also. Not going to expand on that, but Twitter.

Advice you’d give your first-year self?
It’s okay to not be okay. Transitions are really hard. You have the space to allow yourself to make mistakes, even though it feels like you can’t make those mistakes. Even though there are people that tell you you can’t make those mistakes. There are people around you and resources around you who will help you recover and grow, so it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to not be okay.

Santi Hernandez (’21)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Group, Student Highlight

This week, we interviewed Santi Hernandez (they/them), a junior from Los Angeles, CA, for our weekly student highlight series. Hernandez is concentrating in Public Health & Ethnic Studies. They are involved with the Queer Alliance (QA), Nurturing Alignment through the Brown Center for Students of Color (BCSC), The Next Thing (TNT), and Bonner Community Fellows through the Swearer Center. Read more below:

How’s your semester so far?
Where do I even start? I think this semester, I don’t know what about it, but I’ve been reflecting a lot and reevaluating, especially because I’ve hit the halfway mark of Brown. I’ve kind of gotten into a half-college-crisis of what I’ve done these past few years, how I’ve grown these past few years, and what I want to accomplish in the rest of my time here. So it’s really daunting to think about but I think it’s forced me to reevaluate how I want to spend the rest of my time here and how I want to be present.

What are you most excited for this semester?
I’m really excited for two things: The Next Thing, which we call TNT, and Nurturing Alignment. Aquielle, the other TNT coordinator, has been putting in a lot of work to really build up the community of queer and trans people of color on campus and to make our presence visible. I’m really excited to support her in that. For me, my role is more of support because Aquielle is really taking on the work of planning meetings and holding space, whether it’s just to build community and make ourselves known and seen and really affirming each other.

For Nurturing Alignment, they’re focusing on specific skills that are applicable. We’re putting into practice making practical tools that you can use whether in this community or through skill building workshops. One that’s coming up is on how to build boundaries. Others we’re exploring are how to address harm, how to get more in tune with your body and with your emotions.

Favorite memory at Brown?
I think I’ve had this moment with a lot of people, but it’s been the one on one conversations that have really been an a-ha moment. That’s the best way I can explain it – kind of like an epiphany. Those one on one conversations where I learned something about myself and learned something about another person. I feel like those talks have especially shaped the way that I move around at Brown. I think I’m not a person that thrives in big groups, so I would say it’s not one favorite memory because right now I can think to a couple people that I talked to that have really changed my perception in some way.

Advice you’d give your freshman year self?
Oof — I feel like if I’m giving real advice, it might be something along the lines of, things are going to be shitty and the transition is going to be ugly but know that all these obstacles are going to help you grow in the long run. Most of all, be gentle with yourself. I think that’s something I’ve been telling all my friends when I give advice. I say you have to be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself the way you treat other people. I find I’m more hard on myself so take things day by day, week by week.

I think if I had just been patient, not rushing growth, I think I could have been in a much better headspace. I think that would be my overarching advice: don’t rush growth. 

Agnes Tran (’22)

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On November 21, 2019

In FLiSP Scholars, Student Group, Student Highlight

We’re excited to share we’ll be continuing U-FLi student highlights into the new academic year! For our first highlight of the semester, we interviewed Agnes Tran (she/her/hers), a sophomore from Covina, CA. Tran is considering Public Policy/Econ or International and Public Affairs as her concentration. She is also a member of IMPULSE Dance Company, Vietnamese Students Association, and a writer for Visions Magazine. She’s also looking to interview UFLi students as her project for the Storytellers for Good Fellowship. Read more below:

How are you? How’s your semester so far?
I’m good. I think it’s been pretty good. Mainly getting into the groove of doing school work after a summer of not reading. This summer, I interned at a multimedia journalism company in Vietnam. About 90% of my time was spent translating articles into English. I can’t read Vietnamese so I spent a lot of time on Google Translate.

Can you tell me a bit about what you’re involved with here at Brown?
On campus, I’m part of IMPULSE Dance Company so I dance a lot with them. I’m also on the academic proposal team for the Southeast Asian Studies Initiative and part of the Vietnamese Students Association. Sometimes I write for Visions Magazine. 

This year, I’m on the board for IMPULSE. I’m the Community Chair. Technically I’m in charge of workshops so I thought I should try to lead some of them. Last Saturday was my first time doing it. It was very scary but probably one of the most memorable things I’ve done at Brown so far.

Why did you audition for IMPULSE?
I saw IMPULSE before ADOCH and I really remember thinking this is the kind of school I want to go to. In auditions, I came in with the mindset that it was a workshop so I wouldn’t be too stressed about it.

I heard you’re also working on a storytelling project. Can you tell me more about it?
Students are able to apply through the Swearer Center with project ideas so mine was talking about first-gen low-income narratives at Brown or other elite institutions. It’s a year long project. You can write, make a podcast, use photography, or video.

I really like writing and I wanted to use storytelling as a venue for social change and policy. I feel like a lot of students at Brown aren’t familiar with FLi narratives so maybe this would help bridge the gap between those two groups.

I’m looking for anyone who’s interested in sharing stories. If anyone has any experiences they’d be comfortable sharing, I’d love to talk them.

What does it mean to you to be UFLi?
I think it means being resilient and resourceful. Being a part of two worlds and knowing how to navigate that. I think a lot of it is remembering who helped you get here, why you’re still here, and the people in your life that have shaped you for the better – and for me it’s family.

Lastly, advice you’d give your freshman year self?
You’re not going to be a neuroscientist – or anything related to STEM. You need to breathe because you still have 3 years to figure things out.

Morgan Brinker (’21)

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On November 21, 2019

In Student Highlight

Our last UFLi highlight for the semester is with Morgan Brinker (she/her/hers), a rising junior concentrating in Health and Human Bio. She is from Merrillville, Indiana. Read our interview below:

How’s your sophomore year going?
I’ve been grateful for the opportunities I had this year. I think I had this in the first half, kind of in the second half, but it allowed me to build on the lessons I learned my first year.

How has your perception of Brown changed since last year?
I think the lovely parts wore off of this place, being like wow everything is perfect and it’s like Disney World. I appreciate that it comes with its ups and downs and challenges. While this place wasn’t designed for me, I can be an agent of change.

What’s something you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
Stop trying to be perfect. You don’t have to prove yourself to any other people. I struggled a lot with imposter syndrome. But those people I thought about don’t pay for my tuition, they’re not me, so why should I worry about what they think? You’ve got to focus on yourself sometimes. 

Who’s an influential person in your life right now?
Dr. Rudnicki from the chemistry department. When I felt I was so disadvantaged coming to chemistry, I feel like she really said okay, you may have had those disadvantages in the past but we’ll try to catch you up. She kicked out people who were taking the class but knew the materials. She’s written letters of recommendation for me, and we have breakfast sometimes.

What’s your favorite part of your concentration?
I like how I can focus on a certain part of my concentration, like a theme, and really allow myself to explore things outside of biology. It also lets me look at health and medicine from an interdisciplinary perspective. I came in as biology and english because I didn’t know if I wanted to be premed or prelaw, and I also thought the only way to take an interdisciplinary approach was to keep them separate. I didn’t know I could combine them under one concentration. 

I don’t know if they told me specifically, but I remember my RPL, Gabriel, telling me about health and human bio. Someone also told me about Focal Point, so I looked through the Health and Human Bio page. It really encouraged me to explore.

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